BX  8495   .A8  A2  v. 2 
Asbury,  Francis,  1745-1816 
Journal  of  Rev.  Francis 
Asbury 


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jouknMv18194V 


REV.  FRANCIS  ASBURY. 


BISHOP  OF  THE  MKTIIOIHST  KI'IS<  M.IWT.  ('iHUm. 


In  QTIjrcc  bolmnes. 


VOLUME  IT. 
FROM  JANUARY  1,  1787,  TO  DECEMBER  31,  1800. 


Nero- Dork  : 
PUBLISHED  BY  LANE  &  SCOTT, 


REV. 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

FRANCIS  ASBURY. 


Virginia. — January  1,  H 81.  Preached  at  brother  Moss's 
on  2  Chronicles  xv,  12,  13,  on  the  people's  entering  into 
covenant  with  God. 

Tuesday,  2.  We  rode  near  fifty  miles  on  our  way  to  West- 
moreland ;  next  day,  by  hard  riding,  we  came  to  Pope's,  in 
Westmoreland  ;  but  I  have  not  been  more  weary  many  times 
in  my  life. 

Saturday  and  Sunday.  Attended  the  quarterly  meeting  in 
the  Northern  Neck :  there  were  many  simple  and  loving  testi- 
monies delivered  in  the  love-feast. 

Thursday,  11.  Rode  through  the  snow  to  Fairfield.  Here 
a  Captain  R.  had  turned  the  people  out  of  the  barn  in  which 
worship  was  held,  and  threatened  to  take  brother  Paup  to 
jail  if  lie  did  not  show  his  authority  for  preaching  ;  after  all 
this  vapouring  of  the  valiant  Captain,  when  the  affair  was 

brought  before  the  court,  Captain  R  found  it  convenient 

to  ask  pardon  of  our  brother,  although  he  sat  upon  the 
bench  in  his  own  cause : — so  the  matter  ended.  The  Lord 
is  at  work  in  the  Neck :  more  than  one  hundred  have  been 
added  to  the  society  since  conference,  who  are  a  simple,  loving, 
tender  people. 

We  had  a  good  time  on  Friday,  the  12  th  ;  I  spoke  on  Acts 
xxvi,  18.    I  think  God  has  spoken  by  me  to  S  s,  a 


4 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1*787. 


wild  man — but  the  Lord  can  tame  him.  0  Lord,  speak  for 
thyself ! 

Sunday,  14.  We  had  a  crowd  at  the  Presbyterian  meeting- 
house in  Lancaster,  to  whom  I  delivered  a  very  rough  dis- 
course :  it  was  a  close  and  searching  time,  and  we  had  many 
communicants,  both  white  and  coloured. 

Tuesday,  16.  Preached  at  the  church  on  the  love  of 
Christ.  I  find  it  hard  to  the  flesh  to  ride  fifteen  or  twenty 
miles  every  day,  and  perform  the  duties  of  my  station  ;  espe- 
cially when  indisposed  and  suffering  therefrom  the  bodily  pain 
incident  thereto.  Lord,  give  me  patience  !  I  feel  uncommon 
affection  for  the  people  here. 

Wednesday,  1*7.  I  had  a  crowd  of  careless  sinners  at  Mrs. 
Ball's,  Avho  is  a  famous  heroine  for  Christ.  A  lady  came  by 
craft  and  took  her  from  her  own  house,  and  with  tears,  threats, 
and  entreaties,  urged  her  to  desist  from  receiving  the  preachers, 
and  Methodist  preaching  ;  but  all  in  vain.  She  had  felt 
the  sting  of  death  some  years  before,  and  was  a  most  discon- 
solate soul ;  having  now  found  the  way,  she  would  not  depart 
therefrom. 

Thursday,  1 8.  Rode  ten  miles  to  the  ferry ;  but  being  un- 
able to  cross,  I  returned  to  Mrs.  B.'s :  next  morning  I  came 
away  before  day,  and  reached  Shackford's. 

Saturday,  20.  Preached  at  Douglas's — very  low  in  body 
and  spirit. 

Sunday  and  Monday,  21,  22.  Cold  times  in  religion  in  this 
circuit,  (Gloucester,)  compared  with  the  great  times  we  have 
had  in  Lancaster. 

Tuesday,  23.  Came  off  early,  and  preached  in  Yorktown 
to  some  well-behaved  women.  Dined  with  Mr.  Mitchell,  and 
went  on  to  dear  brother  Weldon's,  whose  heart  and  hands 
were  open. 

Wednesday,  24.  According  to  appointment,  I  attended  at, 
Williamsburg.  I  had  about  five  from  the  countiy,  and  about 
fifteen  hearers  from  the  town,  besides  a  few  blacks  and  chil- 
dren. I  spoke  with  freedom  on,  "  They  made  light  of  it."  I 
returned  through  the  rain,  but  hope  to  receive  no  harm. 


Feb.,  1787.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


5 


"  He  guards  our  souls,  he  keeps  our  breath, 
Where  thickest  dangers  come  : 
Go,  and  return  ;  secure  from  death, 
Till  God  commands  thee  home." 

Friday,  26.  We  waited  four  hours  in  the  rain  before  we 
could  cross  the  ferry  at  old  Jamestown ;  it  was  two  hours 
after  night  when  we  came  to  brother  Moring's. 

Tuesday,  30.  We  heM  a  quarterly  meeting  at  Craney 
Island  ;  the  weather  prevented  many  from  attending.  I  was 
blessed  in  the  company  of  the  preachers. 

Wednesday.  31.  *  enlarged  on,  "  What  shall  the  end  be  of 
them  who  obey  not  the  Gospel  of  God  ?"  I  observed  to 
them  that  the  Gospel  had  once  been  taken  away  from  them ; 
and  that  they  ought  to  lay  it  seriously  to  heart,  lest  it  should 
be  the  case  again.  We  had  some  quickening  in  the  sacrament 
and  at  the  love-feast.  Thence  I  went  through  Portsmouth, 
and  preached  on,  "  Ye  are  now  returned  to  the  Shepherd  and 
Bishop  of  your  souls." 

Saturday,  February  3.  Visited  my  old  friend  Fullford  :  he 
is  feeble  in  body,  and  not  much  at  ease  in  his  worldly  pos- 
sessions, yet  happy  in  God. 

Brother  Poythress  frightened  me  with  the  idea  of  the  Great 
Swamp,  the  east  end  of  the  Dismal ;  but  I  could  not  consent 
to  ride  sixty  miles  round :  so  we  ventured  through,  and 
neither  we  nor  our  horses  received  any  injury.  Praise  the 
Lord  !  Our  passing  unharmed  through  such  dangers  and  un- 
healthy w  eather,  feelingly  assures  me  that  I  am  kept  by  the 
immediate  interposition  of  His  providence.  I  preached  in  the 
new  chapel.  I  hope  not  in  vain.  I  am  now  surrounded  with 
waters'  and  hideous  swamps,  near  the  head  of  Pasquotank 
River. 

Nokth  Carolina. —  Thursday,  8.  Came  on,  wet  and  un- 
well, to  Proby's. 

Went  on  to  Nixonton,  Avhere  I  had  many  to  hear,  and  was 
blessed  in  my  own  soul,  and,  I  think,  spoke  to  the  cases  of 
some  of  my  audience. 

Friday,  9.  I  had  a  long  ride  of  nearly  fifty  miles  to  Gates 


6 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Feb.,  1787. 


county.  We  stopped  at  one  Newby's,  one  of  the  Society  of 
Friends,  who  entertained  us  kindly.  We  reached  sister  Gib- 
son's, cold  and  weary.  The  poor  flesh  complains,  but  my 
soul  enjoys  peace  and  sweetness. 

Sunday,  11.  We  had  a  large  congregation  and  an  open 
time  at  Knotty-Pine  chapel.    Here  we  have  a  little  revival. 

Tuesday,  13.  I  had  about  sixty  people  at  Wicocon:  I 
spoke  as  I  felt,  on  Jer.  xiii,  11.  1  mourned  over  the  people 
and  left  them. 

I  came  to  Hardy's,  where  I  spoke  with  some  light  on 
Matt,  xxii,  5.  I  unhappily  ran  a  splinter  into  my  leg,  which 
has  alarmed  me. 

I  found  we  had  to  go  twelve  miles  by  water,  and  send  the 
horses  another  way.    0  what  a  world  of  swamps,  and  rivers, 

and  islands,  we  live  in  here !    I  met  brother  B   and 

A  ;  two  devoted  young  men ;  the  former  a  native  of 

Maryland,  the  latter  of  Virginia.  At  the  desire  of  several 
of  the  brethren  I  preached  at  Washington,  where  many  col- 
lected in  the  court-house,  whom  1  addressed  on  my  favourite 
text,  1  Tim.  i,  15.  Three  miles  on  the  water,  and  riding  three 
more  on  roads  under  the  water,  (such  is  the  inundated  state 
of  the  country,)  made  our  jaunt  unpleasant. 

Thursday,  22.  We  set  off  for  Newbern.  Stopped  at 
Kemp's  Ferry,  kept  by  Curtis,  where  we  were  kindly  enter- 
tained gratis.  I  feel  heaviness  through  labour  and  temptation, 
yet  I  am  given  up  to  God. 

Friday,  23.  1  arrived  at  Newbern.  I  felt  the  power  of 
death  as  I  journeyed  along.  We  rode  round  the  town,  and 
could  get  no  certain  information  about  preaching,  brother 
Cole  being  absent.  We  were  at  last  taken  in  at  Mr.  Lathrop's. 
The  place  and  people  trere  in  such  a  state,  that  I  judged,  by 
my  own  feelings,  it  would  be  as  well  to  leave  them  just  as  I 
found  them — and  so  I  did. 

Tuesday,  27.  It  was  rather  a  dry  time  at  the  love-feast  and 
sacrament.  There  was  some  life  and  melting  while  I  enforced, 
"Look  unto  me,  and  be  ye  saved,  all  ye  ends  of  the  earth." 
We  then  rode  to  H  'a  on  Island  Creek.    I  went  alone 


Mar.,  1787.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


into  the  woods,  and  had  sweet  converse  with  God.  At  night 
we  were  poorly  provided  against  the  weather ;  the  house  was 
unfinished ;  and,  to  make  matters  worse,  a  horse  kicked  the 
door  open,  and  I  took  a  cold,  and  had  the  toothache,  with  a 
high  fever. 

Thursday,  March  \.  I  had  more  hearers,  and  they  were 
more  attentive  than  I  expected :  I  trust  it  was  a  profitable 
time.  Rode  to  brother  Johnson's — without  the  labour  of 
slaves  he  manages  to  have  abundance  for  man  and  beast. 

Tuesday,  6.  My  horse  is  stiff,  and  almost  foundered,  and 
there  is  an  appearance  of  a  swelling  on  his  head.  I  have  al- 
ways had  hard  struggles  to  get  to  Charleston.  Lord,  give  me 
patience,  and  bear  me  up  ! 

Wednesday,  7.  Crossed  the  main  fork  of  Black  River,  and 

came  through  a  wild  country  to  Colonel  R  's :  the  colonel's 

wife  is  a  tender,  devoted  woman. 

Thursday  and  Friday,  8,  9.  Directed  our  course  to  the 
south  :  crossed  Cape  Fear,  and  reached  Downing  Creek. 
Rested  a  day  at  W  's,  a  kind  people,  but  without  religion. 

South  Carolina. — Sunday,  11.  Preached  at  Robinson's 

new  court-house.    Rode  in  the  evening  to  M  's.  Crossed 

Little  Pedee  ;  stopped  at  S  's ;  ate  a  morsel,  and  came 

on  to  Buck  Swamp. 

Thursday,  15.  Preached  at  the  new  church  at  S  's: 

here  I  heard  that  Doctor  Coke  was  in  Charleston.  Proceeded 
thence  to  the  widow  Port's,  where  I  had  much  ado  to  prevail 
on  brother  H.  to  stay. 

We  rode  nearly  fifty  miles  to  get  to  Georgetown.  Here 
the  scene  was  greatly  changed — almost  the  whole  town  came 
together  to  hear  the  word  of  the  Lord. 

We  arrived  in  Charleston,  and  met  Dr.  Coke.  Here  we 
have  already  a  spacious  house  prepared  for  us ;  and  the  con- 
gregations arc  crowded  and  solemn. 

Sunday,  25.  I  enlarged  on,  "  I  had  rather  be  a  door- 
keeper in  the  house  of  God,  than  to  dwell  in  the  tents  of 
wickedness  ;"  at  night  again  on  Isaiah  xlv,  22.  We  held  our 
conference  in  this  city. 


8 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Apr.,  1787. 


Tuesday,  27.  We  exchanged  sentiments  on  matters  freely. 

Wednesday,  28.  The  Doctor  treated  on  the  qualifications 
and  duties  of  a  deacon. 

Thursday,  29.    Our  conference  ended. 

Friday,  30.  I  left  the  city,  and  rode  thirty  miles,  although 
my  horse  had  been  injured  by  over-feeding.  Next  day  I 
rode  forty  miles  through  the  rain,  and  begged  a  lodging  with 
Doctor  W. 

Sunday,  April  1.  We  came  to  Santee  Ferry,  and  there 
was  such  an  overflowing  of  wTater  in  our  route  that  we  had  to 
swim  upon  our  horses  several  times :  my  horse  performed  so 
well  that  I  was  not  wet  much  higher  than  my  knees :  that 
day  we  rode  thirty  miles,  and  the  next  day  fifty  miles,  and 
came  to  Moore's.  Here  we  met  with  brother  R.  Swift,  who 
had  been  near  death,  but  then  was  recovering :  we  advised 
him  to  go  with  us  for  his  life.  The  people  here  begin  to  feel, 
and  yield  to  the  poAver  of  truth. 

Wednesday,  4.  At  Camden  I  preached  on,  "  They  made 
light  of  it :"  thence  we  rode  on  to  quarterly  meeting,  where  I 
met  with  a  midtitude  of  people  who  were  desperately  wicked — 
but  God  hath  wrought  among  them:  we  had  little  rest  by 
day  or  night. 

Friday,  6.  Rode  forty  miles  to  preaching  at  Jackson's  ;  and 
then  to  brother  Pace's. 

Saturday  and  Sunday,  7,  8.  Attended  Anson  quarterly 
meeting,  in  North  Carolina  :  the  Doctor  preached  on,  The  love 
of  Christ,  and  I  on,  "  The  grace  of  God  that  bringeth  salva- 
tion ;"  sacrament  followed. 

From  Saturday  to  Saturday,  I  have  ridden  about  three 
hundred  miles,  and  have  preached  only  about  half  the  time. 
O  may  the  Lord  seal  and  water  his  own  word,  that  all  this 
toil  of  man  and  beast  be  not  in  vain  ! 

Tuesday,  10.  The  Doctor  and  myself  preached  to  a  few 
simple  people  at  W.'s,  I  hope  not  in  vain.  At  our  next  meet- 
ing we  had  many  hearers.  We  have  scarcely  time  to  eat  or 
sleep. 

North  Carolina. — Thursday,  12.1  preached  at  Salisbury. 


Apr.,  1787.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


9 


Afterward  rode  to  Muggins's,  where  we  had  many  hearers,  and 
a  melting  among  the  people. 

Good -Friday,  13.  I  was  much  led  out  at  Caton's.  Thence 
to  M'Knight's  chapel,  where  we  found  a  living  people. 

Saturday,  14.  We  hasted  to  C  y  church,  where  we  had 

many  people  :  after  riding  twenty-two  miles,  we  had  another 
meeting  about  six  o'clock ;  and  about  midnight  got  to  bed. 

Sunday,  1 5.  Rose  about  six  o'clock,  and  went  to  Newman's 
church,  where  the  Doctor  and  myself  both  preached  :  the  peo- 
ple were  rather  wild,  and  we  were  unwell.  I  came  to  Arnat's 
about  eight  o'clock,  having  ridden  forty  miles :  the  Doctor 
went  by  Dick's  ferry,  and  did  not  get  in  until  near  midnight. 

Monday,  16.  Rode  to  Jeremiah  White's,  and  on  Tuesday, 
about  fifty  miles  to  Page  Mann's,  in  Charlotte  county,  Virginia. 

Virginia. —  Wednesday,  18.  Rode  to  Rough  Creek.  On 
Thursday,  the  19th,  our  conference  began  at  William  White's. 
We  had  much  preaching,  morning,  noon,  and  night,  and  some 
souls  were  converted  to  God. 

Saturday,  21.  I  gave  them  a  discourse  on  Jer.  iii,  15: 
"  And  I  will  give  you  pastors  according  to  my  heart." 

Sunday,  22.  The  Doctor  spoke  on  the  qualifications  of  a 
deacon ;  and  I  gave  them  a  charge.  Some  said  there  were 
three  thousand  people  to  hear:  it  was  a  solemn,  weighty 
time. 

Monday,  23.  We  called  at  Hampden  and  Sidney  college, 
in  Prince  Edward :  the  outside  has  an  unwieldy,  uncommon 
appearance,  for  a  seminary  of  learning ;  what  the  inside  is,  I 
know  not.  The  president,  Mt.  I.  Smith,  is  a  discreet  man, 
who  conducts  himself  well.  About  half  past  eleven  o'clock 
Ave  reached  John  Finney's,  in  Amelia,  having  ridden  about 
sixty  miles.  I  want  to  live  more  constantly  in  the  spirit  of 
prayer. 

Wednesday,  25.  Preached  at  I.  A.'s,  and  then  rode  to  Man- 
chester, where  I  preached  again.  The  Doctor  preached  in 
Richmond. 

Thursday,  26.  Went  onwards  to  the  north.  We  have 
made  it  a  point  to  pray  in  the  families  where  we  lodge, 


10 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  11 81. 


whether  public  or  private ;  and  generally  where  we  stop  for 
refreshment. 

Saturday,  28.  At  night  the  Doctor  preached  in  Alex- 
andria ;  and  again  on  the  Sabbath  morning,  to  many  hearers. 
We  were  kindly  entertained  on  Sunday  night  at  S.  Turner's, 
near  Bladensburg,  Maryland,  and  on  Monday  reached  Balti- 
more about  noon. 

Maryland. — We  had  some  warm  and  close  debates  in  con- 
ference ;  but  all  ended  in  love  and  peace.  After  much  fa- 
tigue and  trouble,  our  conference  ended  on  Monday,  the  sixth 
of  May.  We  went  forward  to  Perry  Hall.  Thence  we  went 
to  Cokesbury ;  drew  a  deed  for  the  conveyance  of  the  pro- 
perty of  the  college,  and  settled  our  temporal  matters  there. 

Wednesday,  May  9.  Many  attended  at  Elkton,  and  we 
were  received  by  the  Rudolph  family  with  great  respect. 

Thursday,  10.  We  attended  at  Wilmington  at  noon;  and 
at  Chester,  at  night. 

Friday,  11.  We  reached  Philadelphia,  where  the  Doctor 
preached  that  and  the  following  evening.  We  spent  the 
Sabbath  in  the  city,  and  on  Monday  came  to  Trenton,  where 
we  found  a  lifeless  people. 

New- Jersey. —  Tuesday,  15.  The  Doctor  preached  with 
life  in  the  Episcopal  church  at  Elizabethtown,  and  we  had  a 
good  time. 

New- York. —  Wednesday,  16.  Arrived  in  New-York  and 
rested.  On  Friday,  Saturday,  Sunday,  and  Monday,  the 
Doctor  preached  with  great  energy  and  acceptance. 

Tuesday,  22.  After  long  silence,  I  preached  on,  "For  Zion's 
sake  I  will  not  hold  my  peace,  and  for  Jerusalem's  sake  I  will 
not  rest." 

Rode  twenty  miles  on  Long  Island,  to  Hempstead  Harbour, 
and  preached  with  some  liberty  in  the  evening.  I  am  now 
out  of  the  city,  and  have  time  to  reflect:  my  soul  turns  to  its 
rest,  and  to  its  labour  for  souls,  in  which  I  can  live  more  by  rule. 

Thursday,  24.  I  rose  veiy  sick — felt  solemn  and  devoted 
to  God.  I  preached  in  a  paper-mill  on,  "  If  any  man  wUJ  do 
his  will  he  shall  know  of  the  doctrine,  whether  it  be  of  God." 


June,  1787.]          ASBURYS  JOURNAL. 


11 


I  preached  at  Mosquito  Cove,  where  many  attended  not- 
withstanding the  rain  :  there  was  a  power  went  with  the  word. 

Saturday,  26.  Rode  to  :  our  friends  had  procured 

the  Presbyterian  church  for  me.  I  felt  a  spirit  of  life  on 
these  words,  "  Be  ready  to  give  an  answer  to  every  man  that 
asketh  you  a  reason  of  the  hope  that  is  in  you."  I  called  to 
see  my  old  friend  and  assistant,  James  Glaisbrook,  who  was 
the  first  preacher  I  travelled  with  upon  a  regular  appointment 
in  England.  He  is  now  a  Presbyterian  minister;  much 
changed  in  his  outward  man,  but  I  believe  his  sentiments  are 
much  the  same  as  when  I  first  knew  him.  The  Lord  be  with 
and  bless  him ! 

Sunday,  27.  I  came  to  Harper's,  where  we  have  a  little, 
new  house,  and  about  thirty  members :  I  hope,  and  expect,  in 
a  few  years,  to  see  a  circuit  of  six  weeks  formed  here,  and 
four  or  five  hundred  members  in  society.  The  people  on  this 
island,  who  hear  the  Gospel,  are  generally  poor,  and  these 
are  the  kind  I  want,  and  expect  to  get.  I  have  had  great 
assistance  and  freedom  in  speaking. 

Monday.  28.  Came  to  York.  Preached  at  night  on,  "  They 
that  are  after  the  flesh  do  mind  the  things  of  the  flesh,  and 
they  that  are  after  the  Spirit,  the  things  of  the  Spirit."  I 
found  it  necessary  to  stop  brother  Hickson  from  going  to 

Nova  Scotia :  brother  C  is  married,  and  I  expect  brother 

Jessop  will  go  alone. 

Tuesday,  29.  I  delivered  a  close  and  awful  discourse  on, 
"  They  shall  come  from  the  east,  and  from  the  west,  and  from 
the  north,  and  from  the  south,  and  sit  down  with  Abra- 
ham, and  Isaac,  and  Jacob,"  &c.  1.  A  Scriptural  view  of 
the  kingdom  of  heaven.  2.  The  subjects  or  citizens  thereof. 
3.  Sit  down  with  Abraham,  famous  for  faith ;  Isaac,  for  jus- 
tice, truth,  meditation,  and  walking  with  God ;  and  Jacob, 
mighty  in  prayer.  I  was  in  prayer  until  near  midnight.  O 
Lord,  make  me  all  life  and  love,  patience  and  resignation 
under  the  troubles  of  the  Church,  and  disappointment  of  its 
ministers. 

Sunday,  June  3.  I  had  a  gracious  time  on  2  Cor.  iv,  1-4. 


12 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [June,  1181. 


Ordained  E.  Cooper  a  deacon.  In  the  afternoon  my  soul  had 
peace  whilst  I  enlarged  on  Matt,  xviii,  15,  to  the  end. 

Tuesday,  5.  Preached  on  "No  man  having  put  his  hand 
to  the  plough  and  looking  back,  is  fit  for  the  kingdom  of 
heaven."    I  felt  freedom  and  power  in  speaking. 

Wednesday,  6.  Met  leaders  and  trustees,  and  after  some 
explanation,  settled  matters  relative  to  singing  in  public  wor- 
ship. I  preached  at  the  poor-house  on  "  Whosoever  shall 
call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord  shall  be  saved."  My  soul  has 
peace.  I  keep  myself  busy  in  visiting  the  families  of  the 
society,  or  the  sick,  or  meeting  class,  if  some  other  business 
does  not  call  me. 

Sunday,  10.  I  had  some  life  in  preaching  on  Luke  iv,  18, 
and  in  the  afternoon  on  "  I  thank  thee,  0  Father,  Lord  of 
heaven  and  earth,  because  thou  hast  hid  these  things  from  the 
wise  and  prudent,"  &c. 

I  left  the  city  in  great  union  with  the  Lord  and  with  the 
Church.  My  soul  is  variously  exercised :  I  want  the  country 
air,  and  to  live  more  in  the  spirit  and  solitude  of  prayer. 
Came  to  East-Chester  and  preached  in  the  shell  of  the  new 
church  on  "  To-day  if  yc  will  hear  his  voice,  harden  not  your 
hearts ;"  the  power  of  God  was  felt.  I  came  to  the  widow 
Bartoe's,  where  I  lay  sick  fifteen  years  ago,  and  was  treated 
with  the  greatest  tenderness.  May  the  Lord  reward  them  all 
a  hundred  fold,  and  convert  their  souls ! 

Tuesday,  12.  I  found  it  the  same  at  New-Rochelle  town 
as  in  time  past:  will  it  always  be  so?  If  there  is  no  change 
I  shall  trouble  them  no  more.    In  the  afternoon  I  rode  to 

C  .'s,  where  I  laboured  many  years  ago,  and  there  is  some 

fruit  remaining  to  this  day. 

Wednesday,  13.  We  had  a  long  and  warm  ride  to  North- 
Castle.  Here  a  multitude  were  gathered  together,  to  whom 
I  spoke  in  an  orchard  on  "  Him  hath  God  exalted  with  his  right 
hand  to  be  a  Prince  and  Sa  viour,  to  give  repentance  unto  Israel, 
and  remission  of  sins."    I  was  quite  unwell,  faint  yet  pursuing. 

Rode  to  R  's,  of  the  society  of  Friends,  who  received 

us  with  great  love. 


June,  1181.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


13 


At  H  's  a  multitude  came  to  hear,  whom  I  exhorted 

to  "seek  the  Lord  while  he  might  be  found." 

I  was  happy  in  being  alone.  I  poured  out  my  soul  to  God 
for  the  whole  work,  and  the  dear  people  and  preachers  of  my 
charge.  My  body  is  weak — my  soul  enjoys  peace.  I  have 
power  over  all  sin,  and  possess  a  spirit  of  prayer  and  watchful- 
ness :  I  feel  myself  dead  to  all  below,  and  desire  to  live  only 
for  God  and  souls. 

Friday,  15.  I  preached  to  a  listening  multitude  at  Peeks- 
kill  ;  and  was  alarming  and  close  on,  "  By  grace  ye  are  saved 
through  faith."  I  thought  there  were  no  people  here  of 
spiritual  understanding ;  but  I  was  informed,  to  my  comfort, 
that  a  number  of  simple-hearted  people  had  formed  them- 
selves into  a  society  for  prayer :  perhaps  these  will  be  some 
of  the  first-fruits  in  this  place. 

Saturday,  16.  Rode  over  the  mountain,  and  was  gratified 
with  the  sight  of  a  remarkable  recess  for  the  Americans  dur- 
ing the  last  war :  the  names  of  Andre  and  Arnold,  with  which 
misfortune  and  treachery  are  so  unhappily  and  intimately 
blended,  will  give  celebrity  to  West  Point,  had  it  been  less 
deserving  of  notice  than  its  wonderful  appearance  really  makes 
it.  It  is  commanded  by  mountains  rising  behind,  and  appears 
to  be  impregnable :  there  are  block  houses  on  the  east ;  and 
on  the  west,  stores,  barracks,  and  fortifications.  From  West 
Point  we  crossed  a  high  mountain,  and  came  to  Newburgh. 

Sunday,  17.  In  the  love-feast,  sacrament,  and  public  exer- 
cises, we  were  employed  nearly  seven  hours :  there  was  some 
life  in  the  love-feast,  but  the  congregation  appeared  very  little 
moved  under  preaching. 

Monday,  18.  I  presume  I  had  nearly  seven  hundred  hear- 
ers at  Allen's,  to  whom  I  spoke  with  some  power  on  Luke 
xi,  13.    I  baptized  several  adults,  and  some  children;  and 

came  to  W  's,  and  baptized  others.    Thence  to  Mr. 

Kllis's,  whose  wife  (a  Dutch  lady)  entertained  us  like  a  queen. 

I  visited  Colonel  P  ,  supposed  to  be  at  the  point  of 

death  :  after  a  close  examination,  I  administered  the  sacrament 
to  him. 


14 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[July,  1181. 


New-Jersey. —  Wednesday,  20.  I  came  to  Warwick,  where 
I  suppose  not  less  than  a  thousand  people  were  collected :  I 
was  very  low  both  in  body  and  spirit,  but  felt  stirred  up  at 
the  sight  of  such  a  congregation,  and  was  moved  and  quick- 
ened while  I  enlarged  on  Gal.  i,  4.  I  baptized  some  and 
administered  the  sacrament  to  many  communicants. 

Thursday,  21.  A  multitude  attended  at  B  's,  in  a  barn. 

Here  God  hath  wrought  a  great  work  for  a  poor,  blind,  igno- 
rant people. 

Friday,  22.  I  preached  at  the  stone  church,  after  riding 
upwards  of  thirty  miles  :  we  then  rode  until  ten  o'clock  in  the 
night  through  a  heavy  rain.  I  was  much  tried  in  body  and 
mind :  I  had  nothing  to  eat  but  a  little  bread  and  milk,  and 
that  made  me  sick. 

Saturday,  23.  We  had  a  good  time  at  Sweezy's.  After 
administering  the  sacrament,  we  had  another  long  ride  after 
night. 

Sunday,  24.  I  preached  in  the  woods  to  nearly  a  thousand 
people.  I  was  much  oppressed  by  a  cold,  and  felt  very 
heavy  in  body  and  soul.  Like  Jonah,  I  went  and  sat  down 
alone.  I  had  some  gracious  feelings  in  the  sacrament — oth- 
ers also  felt  the  quickening  power  of  God.  I  baptized  a 
number  of  infants  and  adults,  by  sprinkling  and  by  immersion. 
I  felt  my  body  quite  weary  in,  but  my  spirit  not  of,  the 
work  of  God. 

Tuesday,  26.  Preached  at  W.  Wallace's  to  a  dull,  con- 
tracted people.  Since  last  Monday  two  weeks,  I  have  ridden 
about  three  hundred  and  fifty  miles. 

Pennsylvania. —  Wednesday  21.  We  had  a  warm  ride 
through  a  fertile,  pleasant  country  to  Trenton ;  and  on  Thurs- 
day, the  28th,  to  Philadelphia,  Here  I  found  T.  V.  had  scat- 
tered firebrands,  and  thrown  dirt  to  bespatter  us. 

Friday  and  Saturday  29,  30.  Taken  up  in  writing  letters, 
packing  up  books,  and  begging  for  the  college. 

Sunday,  July  1.  Preached  three  times  in  the  city  of  Phila- 
delphia— on  Monday,  2,  to  a  few  simple-hearted  souls  at 
Radnor. 


July,  1181.1 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


15 


Tuesday,  3.  We  had  a  flat  time  at  the  Valley. 

Wednesday,  4.  We  had  a  few  feeling  souls  at  Uchland  ; 
afterward  went  to  Coventry  Forge. 

Saturday,  1.  I  had  some  energy  in  preaching  to  a  few  peo- 
ple at  Morganstown. 

Sunday,  8.  Preached  at  Evans's,  Rich  Land ;  a  poor  peo- 
ple for  religion :  I  hope,  nevertheless,  that  God  will  visit 
them. 

Monday,  9.  Preached  at  I.  Miller's,  who  has  a  pious  wife. 

Friday.  13.  We  rode  to  Hagerstown  ;  and  found  it  a  jour- 
ney of  about  fifty  miles :  we  and  our  horses  were  weary 
enough.  I  was  sorry  to  hear  that  the  people  came  twice  to 
hear  me  last  year,  and  the  lameness  of  my  horse  caused  me 
to  disappoint  them. 

Saturday,  14.  At  five  o'clock  in  the  evening  the  court-house 
was  opened  ;  a  few  of  the  great  and  many  of  the  poor  attended, 
to  whom  I  spoke  with  Divine  assistance.  I  preached  again  on 
Sunday  at  eleven  o'clock. 

I  find  T.  V.  has  misrepresented  us  as  having  cast  off  Mr. 
Wesley,  making  this  a  plea  for  his  re-ordination. 

Virginia.— M onday,  1C.  Set  out  for  the  Springs.  In  the 
first  place  we  missed  our  way ;  then  my  baggage-horse  ran 
back  two  miles  :  I  was  tried  not  a  little.  0,  how  sad  the  re- 
flection, that  matters  trifling  as  these  should  make  a  person  so 
uneasy.  We  reached  the  Springs  about  seven  o'clock.  I 
preached  the  two  following  days  with  some  satisfaction.  By 
advancing  nine  pounds,  for  nails  and  planks,  I  engaged  bro- 
ther Eaton  to  have  our  chapel  covered  by  the  first  of  August. 

Maryland. — Friday,  20.  We  had  a  heavy  ride  to  Old 
Town :  we  met  with  a  kind  reception ;  and  had  a  reviving 
season  in  the  family. 

Saturday,  21.  Was  a  day  of  rest  to  my  soul  and  body. 
Preached  on  Cant,  iv,  16. 

Sunday,  22.  We  had  sacrament,  attended  with  some  power, 
in  the  evening. 

Tuesday,  24.  There  were  to  have  been  great  doings  at  Cum- 
berland, but  Mr.  B  ,  a  minister,  failed  coming.    I  had  a 


16 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Aug.,  1787. 


good  time  in  Mr.  Bell's  mill,  on,  "  Thou  art  fairer  than  the  sons 
of  men." 

We  had  feeling  and  weeping  at  Barratt's ;  my  subject,  "  I 
sleep,  but  my  heart  waketh,"  &c,  eight  or  nine  verses.  I  feel 
a  sweetness  of  spirit,  and  much  of  the  love  of  Christ.  Came 
to  Cressap's. 

Friday,  27.  Ordained  brother  Phoebus  deacon,  and  had  a 
serious  time. 

Sunday,  29.  At  Jones's,  all  death !  death !  death !  My 
mind  was  devoted  to  God.  I  administered  the  sacrament,  but 
could  find  no  openings.  Rode  to  Old  Town.  Six  years  ago 
I  preached  in  this  place,  when  there  was  scarcely  a  soul  that 
knew  anything  of  God ;  now  there  are  sixty  in  membership, 
many  of  whom  are  happy  in  the  knowledge  of  the  truth.  We 
held  a  love-feast,  and  had  a  quickening  time. 

Tuesday,  31.  Rode  to  the  Springs,  (Bath,)  much  tried  in 
spirit.    I  gave  myself  to  reading  and  prayer. 

Wednesday,  August  1.  Preached  at  Bath. 

Sunday,  5.  Preached  on  Pet.  iii,  9,  to  a  large  congregation, 
with  but  little  liberty. 

Monday,  6.  I  began  my  lectures  on  the  Prophecies  by 
Bishop  Newton,  and  had  more  hearers  than  I  expected.  The 
weather  is  very  warm;  many  are  sickly;  and  continued 
changes  of  comers  and  goers  ;  all  this  leaves  but  little  oppor- 
tunity for  prayer.  I  forbear  reading  on  account  of  my  eyes, 
lest  I  should  not  be  able  to  read  in  public. 

Tuesday  and  Wednesday,  7,  8.  Had  very  few  to  hear,  so  I 
gave  them  up  :  everything  that  is  good  is  in  low  estimation  at 
this  place.  I  will  return  to  my  own  studies :  if  the  people 
are  determined  to  go  to  hell,  I  am  clear  of  their  blood.  My 
soul  is  clothed  in  sackcloth  and  covered  with  ashes  before  the 
Lord. 

Thursday,  9.  I  enjoy  some  peace. 

Friday,  10.  I  feel  a  calm  within,  and  the  want  of  more 
life,  and  more  love  to  God,  and  more  patience  with  sinners. 
I  read  my  Testament.  0  !  what  a  weariness  would  life  be 
without  God,  and  love,  and  labour !   The  first  two  weeks  of 


Sept.,  1787.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


17 


my  time  at  Bath  have  been  spent  in  carrying  on  the  building 
of  the  new  chapel,  reading  Newton  on  the  Prophecies,  visit- 
ing, bathing,  &c.  My  soul  has  been  under  great  trials,  at 
times,  but  hitherto  the  Lord  has  helped. 

Tuesday,  21.  0,  how  sweet  will  labour,  and  Christian  so- 
ciety, and  the  solitary  woods  be  to  me  ! 

Thursday,  23.  I  have  been  under  great  exercises,  but  was 
divinely  assisted  in  preaching  on,  "  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are 
over  the  righteous,"  <fec. 

Sunday,  26.  I  preached  on,  "  How  beautiful  upon  the 
mountains  are  the  feet  of  him  that  bringeth  good  tidings,"  &c. 
It  was  a  solemn  time — my  soul  was  stayed  upon  God.  We 
had  a  melting  sacrament  and  love-feast,  and  many  spoke. 
The  devil  is  angry,  and  so  are  his  children  :  brother  Whatcoat 
spoke  at  the  steps,  and  it  was  with  difficulty  the  people  kept 
themselves  within  decent  bounds  of  respect. 

Virginia. — Friday,  31.  I  gave  them  my  farewell  address 
at  Bath,  and  had  many  hearers. 

Saturday,  September  1.  I  set  out  in  the  rain,  and  came  to 
the  widow  Stroud's,  where  I  met  with  T.  V.,  who  made  some 
acknowledgments  for  what  he  had  said  in  the  heat  of  his  zeal 
at  Philadelphia  and  at  Bath. 

Sunday,  2.  I  attended  at  a  place  where  every  one  has 
liberty  to  preach ;  but  it  so  happened  that  no  one  had  an  ap- 
pointment there  but  myself.  The  Methodists  would  do  veil 
to  withdraw  from  this  as  a  preaching  place  in  their  circuit. 
I  had  a  large  congregation  at  Shepherdstown,  to  whom  I 
spoke,  on  Luke  iv,  18.  I  have  had  some  trials  and  great  con- 
solations; and,  at  times,  it  is  a  Paradise  regained  with  me 
since  I  left  Bath  and  the  wicked  there. 

Maryland. — Friday,  7.  I  had  a  cold  time  at  Ryster's,  on, 
"  Woe  to  them  that  arc  at  ease  in  Zion."  Thence  I  rode  to  the 
new  church,  where  I  had  much  more  life.  Came  to  Balti- 
more.   The  weather  is  extremely  warm. 

Sunday,  9.  Preached  in  the  morning — my  text,  "Thou  art 
fairer  than  the  sons  of  men :"  in  the  afternoon  at  Mr.  Otter- 
bine's  church :  and  at  night  on,  "  They  shall  come  from  the 


13 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Sept.,  1787. 


east,  and  from  the  west,  and  from  the  north,  and  from  the 
south,"  <fec.  Large  crowds  attended :  I  was  straitened  hi 
speaking.  The  following  was  a  week  of  haste  and  business. 
Wednesday,  I  went  to  Perry  Hall ;  thence  to  Cokesbury — 
fixed  the  price  of  board,  and  the  time  for  opening  the  college. 
On  Friday,  I  returned  to  Baltimore.  In  the  midst  of  busi- 
ness my  mind  is  calm. 

Sunday,  16.  Preached  at  town  and  Point.  On  Monday, 
the  people  waited  nearly  two  hours  at  Evans's  before  I  arrived, 
owing  to  my  horse  being  out  of  the  way :  I  found  he  had 
stuck  a  nail  into  his  foot,  so  that  I  had  to  leave  him.  Under 
these  discouraging  circumstances  I  was  much  exercised : 
nevertheless,  I  had  liberty  in  speaking,  and  there  was  a  melt- 
ing time  among  the  people.  Thence  I  hastened  to  Hunt's 
chapel,  where  I  enlarged  on,  "  I  know  you,  that  you  have  not 
the  love  of  God  in  you." 

I  rode  by  I.  C  's  gate — an  old  stand  of  mine.    It  is 

now,  in  two  senses,  fallen  into  decay.  The  want  of  religion 
oftentimes  causes  the  want  of  economy.  Ah !  how  do  the 
persons  and  fashions  of  this  world  pass  away  ! 

Tuesday,  18.  I  found  the  work  of  God  in  a  reviving  state 
at  G  's. 

Wednesday,  19.  I  had  a  liberal  opening  at  Wilson's,  on 
"  Whosoever  shall  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord  shall  be 
saved."  Thence  I  hasted  to  the  Pork  church,  and  preached 
on  Cant,  iii,  1-6.  I  lamented  the  gayety  of  the  children  of 
Methodists ;  but  yet  they  do  not  appear  to  be  so  full  of  enmity 
against  God  and  his  people  as  other  children. 

I  hasted  to  Cokesbury,  it  being  the  examination :  some 
gentlemen  and  some  triflers  were  present.  Friday,  I  preached 
at  Joseph  Dallam's. 

Saturday,  22.  I  preached  at  Havre  de  Grace,  on  Acts 
ii,  23. 

Sunday,  23.  I  had  a  large  congregation  at  Elkton,  and 
some  power  attended  the  word.  In  the  evening  spoke  at 
Isaac  Harshay's. 

Monday,  24.  I  had  a  large,  solemn  congregation  at  Wil- 


Oct.,  1787.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


10 


mington.  I  feel  a  persuasion  that  God  will  revive  his  work 
at  this  place. 

Tuesday,  25.  I  attended  at  Chester ;  and  next  day  came  to 
Philadelphia.  I  had  liberty  in  speaking  on  Cant,  v,  6-10. 
On  Thursday  and  Friday,  I  had  not  freedom  as  I  wished.  I 
was  seized  with  a  violent  headache,  exceeding  anything,  as  I 
thought,  I  had  ever  felt. 

Saturday,  29.  I  felt  a  little  better.  My  mind  was  stayed 
upon  God. 

Sunday,  30.  We  had  a  good  sacramental  occasion.  In  the 
afternoon  brother  Willis  preached;  and  at  night  I  had  some 
enlargement,  on  Ephes.  iv,  17-19. 

Wednesday,  October  3.  I  met  the  people,  and  explained 
the  nature  and  design  of  the  college. 

Thursday,  4.  I  preached  on  the  primitive  design  of  the 
Church. 

Friday,  5.  We  had  an  uncommon  love-feast — a  gracious 
season — much  speaking.  On  Saturday  I  met  a  class,  and  on 
Sunday,  7.  There  was  life  in  the  administration  of  the 
sacrament.  I  felt  humbled  before  the  Most  High.  I  trust 
tlie  Lord  will  revive  his  work,  and  make  his  powej-  known. 

Monday,  8.  I  came  to  Chester,  and  preached  on,  "  My 
grace  is  sufficient  for  thee." 

Delaware. —  Tuesday,  9.  I  had  unusual  freedom  in  speak- 
ing at  Aaron  Mattson's.  Thence  I  pushed  on  through  the 
rain,  and  was  sorely  tempted  to  complain. 

Wednesday,  10.  1  was  at  Wilmington  ;  and  next  day  came 
late  to  Dickinson's. 

I  visited  Duck-Creek  Cross-Roads,  where  we  have  a  com- 
fortable house,  which  cost  about,  two  hundred  pounds. 

Saturday,  13.  Came  to  Dover  -.-cry  unwell,  and  brother 
I.  E.  preached  in  my  stead. 

Sunday,  14.  I  read  prayers,  and  preached  on  2  Tim.  iii,  10  ; 
and  solemnly  set  apart  Jacob  Brush  and  Ira  Ellis,  for  the 
office  of  deacon :  I  trust  it  was  a  profitable  time.  I  spent 
two  days  at  Thomas  White's. 

Tuesday,  16.   I  pleached  the  funeral  sermon  of  Joshua 


20 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.          [Nov.,  1787. 


Barack — a  faithful,  steady  man,  who  had  followed  the  Lord 
about  ten  years ;  my  text  was,  "  These  all  died  in  the  faith." 

Thursday,  18.  I  had  Divine  aid  in  preaching  at  Millford's  : 
the  house  was  open,  and  the  day  was  cold. 

Friday,  19.  Came  in  the  evening  to  Shanklands.  Here  I 
found  the  people  in  disorder  and  violence  about  the  election ; 
some  had  gone  so  far  as  to  take  up  fire-arms. 

Sunday  morning,  21.  Before  sacrament  I  preached  on 
Psalm  ii,  24,  25 ;  and  then  in  Lewistown,  on,  "  God  sent  not 
his  Son  into  the  world  to  condemn  the  world,"  &c. 

Tuesday  and  Wednesday,  23,  24.  I  had  a  good  time  at 
quarterly  meeting,  at  the  Sound  church :  thence,  through  a 
barren,  sandy  country,  we  came  to  Evans's  church,  where  we 
had  a  good  and  gracious  time,  more  so  than  I  have  felt  for 
some  time.  From  Evans's  we  rode  to  the  beach,  and  gratified 
our  curiosity  with  a  sight  of  the  raging,  roaring  sea. 

Wednesday,  24.  I  spoke  closely  upon  the  discipline  of  the 
Church  :  my  subject,  "  All  Scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of 
God,  and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,"  <fec.  After  meeting,  we 
had  a  very  long  ride  to  brother  Bowen's. 

Maryland. — Friday,  26.  After  preaching  at  Pennall's,  on, 
"  I  will  give  them  a  heart  to  know  me,"  &c,  I  rode  in  the 
evening  to  Downing's. 

Saturday,  27.  Reached  Paramore's  at  night. 

Sunday,  28.  We  had  a  gracious  time  indeed. 

Monday,  29.  There  were  life  and  power  among  the  people 
in  the  sacrament  and  love-feast.  I  was  greatly  comforted  to 
find  the  Lord  had  greatly  blessed  the  labours  of  brother 

S  ,  and  that  a  revival  had  tafcefi  place  all  around  the. 

circuit.  In  the  evening  I  rode  to  Burton's,  in  Virginia.  The 
former  inhabitants  have  gone  to  the  dust. 

It  seemed  as  if  I  was  let  into  heaven,  while  I  enlarged  on, 
"  Behold  what  manner  of  love  the  Father  hath  bestowed  upon 
us,  that  we  should  be  called  the  sons  of  God."  We  have 
twenty  miles,  and  sometimes  more,  a  day  to  travel ;  but  we 
have  fine  roads,  kind  friends,  and  good  entertainment. 

Thursday,  November  1.  The  people  coming  in  still  after  I 


Nov.,  17  87.  J 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


21 


began,  caused  me  to  lengthen  out  my  discourse.  Came  after- 
ward to  Captain  Burton's,  and  spoke  with  life  and  consolation. 

Friday,  2.  Was  a  day  of  sore  exercise  of  soul,  and  barren 
preaching.  I  visited  Mr.  R.,  and  administered  the  sacrament 
to  him.    Rested  that  evening  with  Mr.  Curtis. 

Saturday,  3.  Quailerly  meeting.  I  was  close  on  keeping 
the  feast,  and  on  discipline — some  felt  the  word. 

Sunday,  4.  Preached  on,  "  Thou  shalt  arise  and  favour 
Zion."  I  believe  God  will  make  his  power  known  ;  and  I 
trust  brother  Everitt  will  be  made  a  blessing,  as  well  by 
strictness  of  discipline,  as  by  faithful  preaching. 

Monday,  5.  I  had  a  few  living  people  at  Phcebus's.  My 
soul  is  given  up  to  God ;  but  I  have  felt  Satan  near.  Lord, 
help,  or  I  perish  ! 

Sunday,  11.  I  had  some  light  in  preaching  at  the  Fork 
chapel.    Spent  the  evening  with  brother  Ennall. 

Monday,  12.  I  preached  at  Hooper's.  Thence  I  rode  to 
Jbhnson's  chapel,  and  spoke  on  2  Tim.  8-12.  I  had  some 
enlargement. 

After  riding  thirty  miles,  and  preaching  twice,  we  held  a 
watch-night  at  Todd's. 

Sunday,  18.  We  went  to  church  at  Cambridge,  and  heard 
a  sermon.  Afterward  I  spoke  to  a  large  congregation  at 
Tucker's,  on  Rom.  x,  1-4.  Upon  the  whole,  it  has  been  a 
laborious,  trying  time  of  late 

Tuesday,  20.  We  rode  through  excessive  rain  thirty  miles. 
Our  quarterly  meeting  at  Frazier's  chapel  was  large  and 
lively.  I  had  very  few  to  hear  at  Doctor  Allen's,  the  fiery 
edge  is  greatly  worn  off  there. 

Thursday,  22.  We  had  a  feeling  time  at  Bolingbrook;  but 
it  is  not  here  as  in  months  past.  0  how  soon  does  the  power 
of  religion  decline  !  I  came  to  Easton,  Talbot  county,  where 
we  had  a  watch-night,  and  the  gentry  had  a  ball. 

Friday,  23.  We  had  a  gracious  season  at  the  Bay  side, 
where  many  attended. 

Saturday,  24.  My  soul  is  dejected.  O  that  it  were  perfectly 
resigned  to  the  will  of  God ! 


22 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Dec,  1787. 


Sunday,  25.  I  stopped  at  Keet's,  on  my  way  to  Kent 
Island.  Although  under  a  great  depression  of  spirits,  I  was 
uncommonly  led  out  whilst  I  enlarged  on,  "  Woe  to  them  that 
are  at  ease  in  Zion,"  to  a  large  assembly  of  people. 

Monday,  26.  My  mind  is  still  depressed.  I  called  on  poor 
Colonel  H.,  who  bears  his  imprisonment  for  debt  with  great 
fortitude.  I  had  a  good  time  at  Boardley's,  notwithstanding 
two  drunken  men  came  in  and  made  some  disturbance. 

Friday,  30.  Cold,  straitened  for  time  at  Tuckahoe  ;  some- 
thing better  at  Choptank.    I  here  heard  of  the  conduct  of 

A.  C  so  ;  he  is  gone  from  us  at  last.    There  were  many 

people  at  Barrett's  chapel  during  quarterly  meeting,  but  I  had 
little  life  in  speaking. 

Monday,  December  3.  We  had  a  melting  time  at  Queen 
Anne's  chapel.  I  enforced,  "  Because  iniquity  shall  abound, 
the  love  of  many  shall  wax  cold." 

Tuesday,  4.  At  Chestertown,  I  had  but  little  life  on  Isa. 
liii,  1-5.  At  night  the  Lord  was  with  us  indeed,  while  I  en- 
forced, "  Let  your  moderation  be  known  to  all  men." 

Wednesday,  5.  After  preaching  at  Worton  chapel,  we  set 
out  to  cross  the  Bay,  and  were  on  the  Avater  until  ten  o'clock 
at  night. 

Thursday,  6.  We  opened  our  college,  and  admitted  twen- 
ty-five students.  I  preached  on,  "  Trust  in  the  Lord,  and  do 
good."  On  the  Sabbath  I  spoke  on,  "  O  man  of  God,  there 
is  death  in  the  pot ;"  and  on  Monday,  "  They  are  the  seed  of 
the  blessed  of  the  Lord,  and  their  offspring  with  them." 
From  Cokesbury  I  came  to  Baltimore,  where  I  was  closely 
employed,  and  much  in  haste  about  temporal  concerns. 

Saturday,  15.  I  had  a  cold  ride  to  Annapolis;  and  but 
few  to  hear  me  on  Sunday  morning.  Brother  H.  attempted- 
to  travel  with  me,  but  was  soon  glad  to  resign.  My  soul  has 
been  kept  in  pence,  and  for  three  weeks  past  I  have  enjoyed 
a  most  devoted  frame  of  mind. 

Thursday,  20.  We  must  now  direct  our  course  for  Lan- 
caster, Virginia,  through  a  barren  route  of  sixty  miles.  This 
is  the  only  uncultivated  part  of  Maryland ;  and  God  will 


Jan.,  1788.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


23 


surely  visit  these  people,  and  bless  them  in  his  own  time,  if 
they  hear  his  voice.  We  crossed  Patuxent  River  at  sunrise  : 
brother  James  having  undertaken  to  be  our  guide,  led  us  ten 
miies  out  of  our  way.  Bearing  near  to  Port  Tobacco,  we 
came  to  the  ferry,  crossed  about  sunset,  and  put  up  at  Mrs. 
H.'s,  where  we  paid  eight  shillings  for  our  oats,  and  six  for 
our  fodder — all  this  exclusive  of  charge  for  lodging,  as 
she  said. 

Friday,  21.  Reached  Pope's  some  time  in  the  night.  On 
Saturday  I  read  the  apostolical  canons,  published  by  John- 
son— curious  enough.  He  is  a  violent  Churchman,  and  ap- 
pears to  have  little  charity  for  the  Presbyterians,  upon  whom 
he  is  unmercifully  severe.  I  have  been  sorely  tempted,  and  • 
at  sword's  point  with  the  enemy. 

Sunday,  23.  I  had  very  little  life  in  preaching  to  a  few 
dead  souls  at  Pope's.  On  Monday,  at  Hutt's,  it  was  nearly 
the  same  both  in  preaching  and  sacrament.  In  the  evening, 
at  brother  Cannon's,  the  Lord  powerfully  broke  into  my  soul, 
and  the  cloud  disappeared.  That  night  while  sleeping,  I 
dreamed  I  was  praying  for  sanctification,  and  God  very  sen- 
sibly filled  me  with  love,  and  I  waked  shouting  glory,  glory 
to  God  !  My  soul  was  all  in  a  flame.  I  had  never  felt  so 
much  of  God  in  my  life  ;  and  so  I  continued.  This  was  on 
Christmas  day — a  great  day  to  me. 

I  rode  to  the  Widow  Wollard's,  and  preached  on,  "  For 
this  purpose  was  the  Son  of  God  manifested,  that  he  might 
destroy  the  works  of  the  devil."  During  the  last  five  days, 
we  have  ridden  one  hundred  and  forty  miles.  We  crossed  Wi- 
comoco,  and  came  to  G.'s.  Death  prevails  here.  My  spirit 
was  clothed  in  sackcloth. 

Saturday  and  Sunday,  29,  30.  Held  quarterly  meeting  at 
Lancaster  meeting-house.  There  was  a  large  gathering,  and 
some  life  on  the  first  day.  On  Sunday  there  was  much 
snow,  and  only  about  three  hundred  people  attended.  I  or- 
dained E.  Ellis  a  deacon. 

Tuesday,  January  1,  1788.  Preached  at  the  Widow  Ball's, 
on  Psalm  xc,  12. 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1788. 


Thursday,  3.  Crossed  the  Rappahannock,  and  came  to  G.'s, 
but  did  not  feel  free  to  stay.  I  went  on  to  Blake's.  Came  to 
brother  Billups's,  in  Kingston  parish,  Gloucester  county. 
Here  we  were  at  home,  and  happy  in  our  religious  exercises. 
During  the  last  one  hundred  miles  of  our  journey  we  have 
preached  very  little  for  the  want  of  appointments.  We  left 
brother  Billups's,  and,  after  riding  forty  miles,  and  preaching 
by  the  way,  we  came  to  Cappahocey  Ferry ;  but  being 
unable  to  cross  we  rode  on  ten  miles  to  the  widow  Roe's. 

Tuesday,  8.  There  being  a  storm  of  rain  and  a  thaw,  we 
set  out  to  cross  the  river  at  York:  we  succeeded,  but  with 
some  difficulty :  I  had  had  some  distressing  apprehensions  of 

»  this.    I  preached  at  B  's,  on  "  How  beautiful  upon  the 

mountains  are  the  feet,"  &c.  We  came  to  James  River ;  the 
ice  was  in  the  way,  yet  we  pushed  through  safely  to  the  op- 
posite shore,  and  arrived  at  Moreing's  just  as  the  quarterly 
meeting  ended ;  nevertheless,  we  too  had  a  meeting,  and  the 
cry  of  glory !  was  heard  in  great  life :  God  is  among  these 
people.  Brother  Cox  thinks  that  not  less  than  fourteen  hun- 
dred, white  and  black,  have  been  converted  in  Sussex  circuit 
the  past  year ;  and  brother  Easter  thinks  there  are  still  more 
in  Brunswick  circuit.  I  preached  at  P.'s  in  Nansemond  cir- 
cuit: thence  to  Cowling's,  and  preached  on  Isa.  liii,  1-4. 
We  came  on  to  Sleepy  Hole  Ferry ;  being  unable  to  get  our 
horses  over,  we  walked  five  miles  to  Turner's. 

Sunday,  13.  I  had  some  liberty  on  Isa.  lii,  6-8. 

Monday,  14.  We  continued  our  meeting  nearly  four  hours, 
but  had  little  satisfaction  by  reason  of  the  extreme  cold. 
There  is  a  growth  in  religion  here  since  last  year. 

We  came  to  Portsmouth,  but  too  late,  the  ice  hindered : 
however,  I  preached  at  three  o'clock.  Next  day  it  rained, 
and  few  attended  ;  so  that,  upon  the  whole,  we  had  but  a  low 
time  there.  I  preached  at  N.  Wilson's.  Here  I  had  an  in- 
terview with  L  M. :  he  wants  to  go  into  the  Old  Church.  I 
had  a  great  and  good  time  at  brother  Williams's  on  Isa. 
xxxv,  3-5,  the  power  and  love  of  God  were  manifested  and  felt. 

North  Carolina. — Sunday,  20.  I  preached  at  Col.  Jar- 


Feb.,  1788.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


25 


vis's ;  and  on  Monday  at  Saunders's  ;  dull  times  at  both  these 
places. 

Tuesday,  22.  At  Coenjock:  there  is  a  death  here, 
has  been  experimenting  on  extremes ;  wise  doctrine — hard 
discipline.    I  doubt  whether  it  will  end  well. 

I  have  ridden  about  eighty  miles,  and  preached  four  times  to 
about  eight  hundred  people,  most  of  Avhom  were  dead  and 
ignorant ;  yet  I  hope  God  will  arise. 

Currituck — a  pleasant  place :  I  rode  along  the  shore  and 
enjoyed  the  view  of  its  banks  of  evergreen. 

I  preached  at  Camden  co\irt-house  with  freedom,  but  the 
people  appeared  insensible :  after  meeting,  we  rode,  hungry 
and  cold,  to  brother  C  's. 

Thursday,  24.  We  had  a  violent  storm  ;  so  we  kept  within 
doors ;  and  man  and  beast  were  well  provided  for. 

Friday,  25.  Was  an  uncommonly  cold  and  windy  day;  I 
nevertheless  attempted  to  preach  at  Richardson's  chapel.  In 
the  evening  visited  W.  P. 

Saturday,  26,  and  Sunday,  21.  We  had  cold  weather,  and 
a  cold  people  at  the  quarterly  meeting  at  Flatty  Creek  chapel. 
On  Sabbath  evening  I  preached  at  Nixonton. 

Monday,  28.  Rode  to  Gates's;  and  next  day  preached  at 
Knotty  Pine  chapel :  there  were  but  few  people,  and  it  was 
a  barren  meeting. 

Wednesday,  30.  Preached  on  "The  grace  of  God  that 
bringeth  salvation  hath  appeared  unto  all  men."  Alas  for 
the  rich  !  they  are  so  soon  offended.  Rode  to  Winton,  a  little 
town  on  Chowan  River ;  here  I  had  a  dry  meeting  with  a  few 
people  in  the  court-house.    I  housed  for  the  night  with 

W  .    I  seldom  mount  my  horse  for  a  ride  of  less  distance 

than  twenty  miles  on  ordinary  occasions  ;  and  frequently  have 
forty  or  fifty,  in  moving  from  one  circuit  to  the  other:  in 
travelling  thus  I  suffer  much  from  hunger  and  cold. 

I  preached  at  W  's,  with  some  liberty.    Our  brother 

Chastaine  stamped  to  purpose. 

Saturday,  February  2.  At  Wicocon  I  enlarged  on  Peter's 
fall. 

Vol.  II.— 2. 


26 


ASBUllY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Feb.,  1788. 


Sunday,  3.  I  preached  on  Hcb.  vi,  11,  12.  I  rode  that 
evening  to  friend  Freeman's,  whom  I  had  not  visited  for  live 
years  past :  I  found  him  still  an  honest  Baptist,  and  we  were 
kindly  entertained. 

Rode  to  Ross's  in  Martin's  county.  The  rise  of  the  waters 
of  the  Roanoak  River  had  inundated  the  lowlands  more  than 
a  mile  from  the  banks,  and  made  the  ferry  altogether  a  won- 
derful sight.  We  came  to  our  lodging  about  nine  o'clock, 
and  found  a  plain,  kind-hearted  host. 

I  preached  a  funeral  sermon  ;  my  text,  "  The  sting  of  death 
is  sin."  I  spoke  on  the  nature  of  the  law ;  of  sin — its  guilt, 
power,  nature,  and  punishment ;  and  the  victory  through 
Christ.  Does  it  not  appear  that  those  who  live  in  sin,  which 
is  a  breach  of  the  law,  wish  to  abolish  the  law,  seeing  they 
must  know  the  necessary  consequence  of  its  violation  ?  And 
if  this  postulation  is  just,  what  saves  them  from  theft,  murder, 
rape?  Self-preservation.  Alas,  poor  worjd !  is  this  all  thy 
virtue  ? 

Wednesday,  6.  Rode  twenty  miles,  and  had  the  ice  to 
break  in  two  swamps.     Preached  at  Lloyd's,  near  Washington. 

Saturday,  9.  I  had  a  very  unfeeling  people  at  Mr.  O.'s, 
to  whom  1  preached  with  some  freedom  on  Luke  iv,  18. 
Death  !  death  !  death  !  in  the  lowlands. 

Sunday,  10.  I  had  many  to  hear  at  S.'s;  but  it  was  an 
uncomfortable  time :  thence  I  rode  to  Cox's  on  Neuse  River, 
where  we  had  an  open  time,  and  there  is  a  prospect  of  good. 
We  then  had  to  move  towards  Trent.  Our  rides  arc  still  long 
— from  fifteen  to  twenty  miles  a  day. 

Wednesday,  13.  We  had  many  dead  souls  at  the  quarterly- 
meeting  at  Lee's. 

Thursday,  14.  My  heart  melted  for  the  people:  they  do 
not,  will  not  pray ;  and  if  they  so  continue,  must  be  undone. 

Friday,  15.  Came  to  poor  J.'s,  where  I  spoke  dreadful 
things  to  a  lifeless  people  on  Isa.  liii. 

Saturday,  16.  We  rode  to  T  's,  an  old  stand  in  Duplin 

county,  where  I  was  met  by  a  few  souls.  We  had  naught  to 
eat,  nor  where  to  lodge  short  of  Colonel  C  's  ;  we  pushed 


Mar.,  1*788.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


27 


for  that  shelter,  and  reached  there  about  nine  o'clock  at  night  ; 
a  poor  place  for  religion  it  is,  but  we  met  with  good  entertain- 
ment. 

Sunday,  17.  I  had  about  five  hundred  hearers  at  Samson 
court-house,  to  whom  I  enlarged  on  Peter's  denial  of  his 
Master.  1.  He  was  self-confident.  2.  Followed  afar  off". 
3.  Mixed  with  the  wicked.  4.  Denied  his  discipleship,  and 
then  his  Lord. 

Tuesday,  19.  At  Fayetteville  I  was  unable  to  preach. 
Wednesday  we  pushed  on  for  the  south  state,  but  being  un- 
acquainted with  the  way,  we  fell  ten  miles  too  low:  after 
riding  as  many  in  the  night,  we  ended  our  blunders  and  our 
fatigue  for  that  day  at  S.'s,  who  used  us  kindly. 

South  Carolina. —  Thursday,  21.  We  rode  twenty  miles 
in  the  rain  through  the  woods  and  sands,  and  had  but  a  poor 
time  at  Col.  M.'s :  thence  we  descended  to  the  Green  Ponds, 
fifteen  miles,  where  we  were  very  comfortable  at  C.'s. 

Saturday,  23.  I  attended  the  quarterly-meeting  at  the 
Beauty  Spot :  the  weather  was  cold,  but  I  had  great  assistance 
on  Isa.  xxxv,  1-6. 

Sunday,  24.  I  preached  on  Zech.  xi,  12:  we  had  a  gra- 
cious, moving  time. 

Monday,  25.  We  crossed  Peedec  at  the  Long  Bluff,  and 
rode  nearly  fifty  miles  to  brother  Gardener's. 

I  preached  at  Black  Creek  on  Psalm  cxlv :  I  was  much 
fatigued,  and  had  a  high  fever ;  but  my  soul  had  peace,  and 
was  stayed  upon  God. 

Wednesday,  27.  After  preaching  at  D.'s,  I  had  to  ride  ten 
miles  out  of  my  way  to  cross  Lynch's  Creek.  We  moved  for- 
wards to  our  worthy  friend  Rembert's,  who  entertained  us 
kindly,  and  supplied  us  with  horses  to  ride  to  our  appoint- 
ments at  Lenoir's  and  Moore's,  where  we  had  few  hearers  and 
dead  times.  After  our  meetings  at  these  places  we  returned 
to  Rembei-t's,  at  whose  house  our  quarterly  meeting  began, 
on  Saturday  the  first  of  March,  which  was  not  without  some 
life  ;  in  our  love-feast  there  appeared  to  be  more  feeling  than 
speaking. 


28 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Mar.,  1788. 


Monday,  March  3.  We  rode  through  the  snow  to  Brad- 
ford's ;  and  next  day  had  no  small  difficulty  in  crossing  the 
swamps  in  order  to  get  to  Santee  Ferry :  we  made  it  a  ride 
of  about  fifty  miles  to  H.'s,  and  did  not  get  in  until  about 
nine  o'clock  at  night. 

Wednesday,  5.  I  passed  Dorchester,  where  there  are  the 
remains  of  what  appears  to  have  once  been  a  considerable 
town  :  there  arc  the  ruins  of  an  elegant  church,  and  the  ves- 
tiges of  several  well-built  houses.  We  saw  a  number  of  good 
dwellings,  and  large  plantations  on  the  road  leading  down 
Ashley  River.  In  the  evening  Ave  reached  the  city  of  Charles- 
ton, having  ridden  about  fifty  miles. 

Sunday,  9.  Brother  Ellis  preached  in  the  morning.  In  the 
evening  I  felt  some  liberty  in  enlarging  on  Rom.  x,  1-3.  Ou 
Monday  my  soul  and  body  enjoyed  some  case  and  rest. 

Friday,  14.  Our  conference  began,  and  we  had  a  very  free, 
open  time.  On  Saturday  night  I  preached  on  "  I  have  set 
watchmen  upon  thy  walls,"  ttc.  On  the  Sabbath,  on  "The 
Lord  turned  and  looked  on  Peter,"  &c.  It  was  a  gracious 
season,  both  in  the  congregation,  and  in  the  love-feast.  While 
another  was  speaking  in  the  morning  to  a  very  crowded  house, 
and  many  outside,  a  man  made  a  riot  at  the  door ;  an  alarm 
at  once  took  place ;  the  ladies  leaped  out  at  the  windows  of 
the  church,  and  a  dreadful  confusion  ensued.  Again,  whilst 
I  was  speaking  at  night,  a  stone  was  thrown  against  the  north 
side  of  the  church  ;  then  another  on  the  south  ;  a  third  came 
through  the  pulpit  window,  and  struck  near  me  inside  the 
pulpit.  I  however  continued  to  speak  on  ;  my  subject,  "How 
beautiful  upon  the  mountains,"  &c. 

Upon  the  whole,  I  have  had  more  liberty  to  speak  in 
Charleston  this  visit  than  I  ever  had  before,  and  am  of  opinion 
that  God  will  work  here :  but  our  friends  are  afraid  of  the 
cross. 

Monday,  17.  Preached  in  the  morning,  and  took  my  leave 
of  the  city.  When  I  reached  Mr.  Giveham's  the  congrega- 
tion had  been  dispersed  about  ten  minutes. 

I  preached  at  R.'s,  at  L.'s,  and  at  C.  C.  church,  in  the 


Apr.,  1788.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


29 


Edisto  circuit.  The  people  are  insensible,  and,  I  fear,  are 
more  in  love  -with  some  of  Christ's  messengers  than  with 
Christ.  I  now  changed  my  course,  and  went  through  Orange- 
burgh,  by  the  Congarees,  to  Saleuda,  and  thence  up  to  Broad- 
River  quarterly  meeting.  We  rode  till  one  o'clock  on  Friday, 
the  21st  of  March.  I  believe  we  have  travelled  about  two 
hundred  miles  in  five  days  :  dear  brother  Smith  accompanied 
me.  I  was  so  unwell  that  I  had  but  little  satisfaction  at  the 
quarterly  meeting.  My  sen-ice  was  burdensome  ;  but  the 
people  were  lively. 

Wednesday,  26.  We  rode  from  Finch's  to  Odell's  new 
church,  where  we  had  a  good  time,  whilst  I  enlarged  on 
Titus  ii,  14,  and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper.  Thence  to 
Smith's,  thirty  miles.  After  preaching  we  had  a  night-meet- 
ing, that  prevented  our  getting  to  bed  until  about  twelve 
o'clock.  We  had  a  comfortable  cabin,  and  were  very  well 
entertained. 

Thursday,  27.  I  had  but  little  freedom  on,  "  The  founda- 
tion of  God  standeth  sure."  Brothers  Mason  and  Major 
spoke  after  me.  I  went  alone  into  the  woods,  and  found  my 
soul  profitably  solitary  in  sweet  meditation  and  prayer. 

Friday,  28.  Rode  about  thirty  miles  to  B.'s.  My  soul  was 
tried,  but  it  was  also  comforted  in  the  Lord.  I  was  much  led 
out  on  Eph.  vi,  18,  and  we  were  employed  till  nearly  twelve 
o'clock  at  night. 

Sunday,  30.  I  had  some  liberty  in  preaching,  but  the 
people  began  to  move  about  when  they  were  pointedly  dealt 
with.  Brothers  Mason  and  Major  spoke  after  me.  I  found 
it  good  to  be  alone  by  the  solitary  stream  and  silent  woods, 
to  study  the  welfare  of  Zion,  and  to  pray  for  her  prospe:ity. 

Monday,  31.  We  rode  within  a  mile  of  Savannah  river. 
The  land  in  general,  during  our  route,  is  very  fine.  We  were 
benighted,  and  moping  in  the  woods  made  our  journey  a  long 
one  of  about  fifty  miles. 

Tuesday,  April  1.  We  crossed  the  Savannah  at  the  Forks, 
and  came  where  I  much  wanted  to  be — in  Georgia.  Never- 
theless, I  fear  I  shall  have  but  little  freedom  here. 


30 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Apr.,  1Y88. 


Georgia. —  Wednesday,  2.  I  rested;  and  compiled  two 
sections,  which  I  shall  recommend  to  be  put  into  our  form  of 
discipline,  in  order  to  remove  from  society,  by  regular  steps, 
either  preachers  or  people  that  are  disorderly. 

Saturday,  5.  I  was  led  out  in  preaching  at  the  quarterly 
meeting,  on  Zech.  xii,  10. 

Sunday,  6.  There  was  a  moving  on  the  souls  of  the  people  ; 
and  I  felt  much  life  on  Isa.  xlv,  22. 

I  have  been  told,  that  during  the  last  rupture  the  Indians 
butchered  nearly  one  hundred  people. 

Wednesday,  9.  Our  conference  began  at  the  Forks  of 
Broad  River,  where  six  members  and  four  probationers  at- 
tended. Brother  Major  Avas  sick,  and  could  not  meet  us. 
Soon  after,  he  made  his  exit  to  his  eternal  rest. 

Thursday  and  Friday,  10,  11.  I  felt  free,  and  preached 
with  light  and  liberty  each  day.  Many  that  had  no  religion 
in  Virginia,  have  found  it  after  their  removal  into  Georgia  and 
South  Carolina.  Here  at  least  the  seed  sprung  up,  wherever 
else  it  may  have  been  sown.  Our  little  conference  was  about 
sixty-one  pounds  deficient  in  their  quarterage,  nearly  one- 
third  of  which  was  made  up  to  them. 

South-Carolina. — Sunday,  13.  I  called  at  a  Presbyterian 
meeting-house,  and  heard  Mr.  Hall,  the  minister,  preach  a 
good  sermon  on  Isa.  Iv.  After  meeting  we  rode  to  brother 
Moore's,  twenty  miles  on  the  Seleuda. 

Monday,  14.  Was  almost  entirely  occupied  with  writing 
letters  to  the  north. 

Tuesday,  15.  I  had  many  people  at  the  widow  Bowman's. 
While  here  we  had  a  most  awful  storm.  I  was  afraid  the 
house  would  come  down.  We  rode  in  the  night  to  M. 
Moore's.  I  was  seized  with  illness  on  the  way,  which  con- 
tinued during  the  night.  Next  day,  however,  I  was  able  to 
pursue  my  journey. 

Friday,  18.  We  rode  along  crooked  paths  to  Kasey's, 
where  we  received  the  afflicting  account  of  the  death  of  dear 
brother  Major,  who  departed  this  life  last  Saturday.  He  was 
a  witness  of  holiness,  and  died  in  peace  and  love. 


Apr.,  1788.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


31 


Saturday,  19.  I  preached  at  Wilson's,  with  some  liberty, 
on  Peter  iii,  7. 

Sunday,  20.  I  spoke  with  little  enlargement.  Our  friends 
here  on  Tyger  River  are  much  alive  to  God,  and  have  built 
a  good  chapel.  We  rode  to  Burlington's  in  the  evening,  on 
Fair-forest  Creek,  and  were  kindly  entertained. 

North-Carolina. — Tuesday,  22.  Rode  to  Rutherford 
court-house ;  and  the  next  day  to  Burke  court-house :  it 
being  court-time,  we  went  on,  and  reached  brother  White's, 
on  John's  River,  about  ten  o'clock  at  night.  Here  I  found 
both  the  saddles  broke  ;  both  horses  foundered ;  and  both 
their  backs  sore — so  we  stopped  a  few  days. 

I  preached  on  Rev.  xxii,  5-8  ;  and  had  liberty  in  speaking 
to  the  people  :  our  souls  were  blessed  in  a  near  access  to  the 
Lord.  Our  preachers  in  the  Yadkin  circuit  have  been  sick  ; 
they  have  had  hard  travelling  the  past  winter ;  and  the  work 
has  consequently  suffered.  I  have  read  D.'s  Study  of  Divi- 
nity— the  catalogue  of  books  at  the  end  I  thought  of  more 
value  than  all  the  rest  of  the  work. 

Sunday,  27.  I  preached  at  the  Globe,  on  the  main 
branches  of  John's  River,  where  there  are  a  few  who  fear 
God.    There  was  some  stir,  and  I  hope  some  good  done. 

Monday,  28.  After  getting  our  horses  shod,  we  made  a 
move  for  Holstein,  and  entered  upon  the  mountains ;  the  first 
of  which  I  called  steel,  the  second  stone,  and  the  third  iron 
mountain :  the}*  are  rough,  and  difficult  to  climb.  We  were 
spoken  to  on  our  way  by  most  awful  thunder  and  lightning, 
accompanied  by  heavy  rain.  We  crept  for  shelter  into  a 
little  dirty  house,  where  the  filth  might  have  been  taken 
from  the  floor  with  a  spade.  We  felt  the  want  of  fire,  but 
could  get  little  wood  to  make  it,  and  what  we  gathered  was 
wet.  At  the  head  of  Watawga  we  fed,  and  reached  Ward's 
that  night.  Coming  to  the  river  next  day,  we  hired  a  young 
man  to  swim  over  for  the  canoe,  in  which  we  crossed,  while 
our  horses  swam  to  the  other  shore.  The  waters  being  up 
we  were  compelled  to  travel  an  old  road  over  the  mountains. 
Night  came  on — I  was  ready  to  faint  with  a  violent  head- 


32 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1788. 


ache — the  mountain  was  steep  on  both  sides.  I  prayed  to 
the  Lord  for  help.  Presently  a  profuse  sweat  broke  out 
upon  me,  and  my  fever  entirely  subsided.  About  nine  o'clock 
we  came  to  Grear's.  After  taking  a  little  rest  here,  we  set 
out  next  morning  for  brother  Coxe's  on  Holstcin  River.  I 
had  trouble  enough.  Our  route  lay  through  the  woods,  and 
my  pack-horse  would  neither  follow,  lead,  nor  drive,  so  fond 
was  he  of  stopping  to  feed  on  the  green  herbage.  T  tried 
the  lead,  and  he  pulled  back.  I  tied  his  head  up  to  prevent 
his  grazing,  and  he  ran  back.  The  weather  was  excessively 
warm.  I  was  much  fatigued,  and  my  temper  not  a  little 
tried.  I  fed  at  I.  Smith's,  and  prayed  with  the  family.  Ar- 
riving at  the  river,  I  was  at  a  loss  what  to  do  ;  but  provi- 
dentially a  man  came  along  who  conducted  me  across.  This 
has  been  an  awful  journey  to  me,  and  this  a  tiresome  day, 
and  now,  after  riding  seventy-five  miles,  I  have  thirty-five 
miles  more  to  General  Russell's.  I  rest  one  day  to  revive 
man  and  beast. 

Friday,  May  2.  Rode  to  Washington,  where  I  met  bro- 
ther Tunncll  on  the  way  to  Mr.  C.'s.  We  have  to  put  up  in 
houses  where  we  have  no  opportunity  for  retirement. 

Virginia. — Saturday,  3.  We  came  to  General  Russell's; 
a  most  kind  family  in  deed  and  in  truth. 

Sunday,  4.  Preached  on  Phil,  ii,  5-9.  I  found  it  good  to 
get  alone  in  prayer. 

Tuesday,  G.  I  had  many  to  hear  at  Easley's  on  Holstein. 
I  was  much  wearied  with  riding  a  strange  horse,  having  left 
mine  to  rest.  It  is  some  grief  that  I  cannot  be  so  much  in 
prayer  on  the  road  as  I  would  be.  We  had  a  good  time, 
and  a  large  congregation  at  K.'s. 

Tknnkssee. — The  people  are  in  disorder  about  the  old  and 
new  State  :  two  or  three  men,  it  is  said,  have  been  killed. 

At  Nelson's  I  had  a  less  audience  than  was  expected  ;  the 
people  having  been  called  away  on  an  expedition  against  the 
new  State  men.  My  subject  was  Heb.  vi,  11,  12.  Rode  to 
Owens's,  and  met  our  brethren  from  Kentucky,  where  I 
preached  on  Psalm  cxlv,  17-19,  with  some  fervour. 


Mat,  IV 83.] 


ASBURY'8  JOURNAL. 


33 


Came  to  Half- Acres  and  Keywoods,  where  we  held  confe- 
rence three  days,  and  I  preached  each  day.  The  weather 
was  cold  ;  the  room  without  fire,  and  otherwise  uncomfort- 
able. We  nevertheless  made  out  to  keep  our  seats,  until  we 
had  finished  the  essential  parts  of  our  business. 

Thursday,  15.  We  came  to  General  Russell's, — and  on 
Friday  to  I.  Smith's,  on  the  south  fork  of  Holstein  River. 

Sunday,  18.  Rode  to  a  chapel  near  New  River,  where  I 
preached  on  "  How  beautiful  upon  the  mountains  are  the 
feet,"  ifcc.    After  eating  a  morsel,  we  hasted  on  our  way  to 

F  's.     A  twenty  miles'  ride  through  the  mountains 

brought  us  to  our  lodgings  for  the  night  at  K  's,  near 

the  Flower  Gap. 

Monday,  19.  We  rode  about  fifty  miles  to  S  's:  the 

weather  was  warm  in  the  extreme ;  we  had  rain,  thunder, 
and  lightning — and  were  weary  enough. 

Tuesday,  20.  After  riding  nearly  thirty  miles,  we  came  to 
M'Knight's  chapel  in  North  Carolina.  Here  I  preached  on 
Peter's  denial  of  Christ.  Thence  we  went  to  Hill's.  After 
meeting,  we  proceeded  to  the  neat  and  well-improved  town 
of  Salem  :  making  a  journey,  besides  the  labours  of  the  day, 
of  nearly  forty  miles. 

I  came  to  the  quarterly  meeting  at  C  's,  where  I 

spoke  feelingly  and  pointedly ;  and  the  word  appeared  to 
have  effect. 

Thursday,  22.  Preached  at  P  's  chapel :  wc  then  rode 

to  C  's,  about  seven  miles  from  Guilford  court-house, 

where  we  had  a  good  time. 

Friday,  23.  W;is  a  damp,  rainy  day,  and  I  was  unwell 
with  a  slow  fever  and  pain  in  my  head :  however  I  rode  to 
Smith's  chapel  and  preached ;  and  thence  to  brother  Han  i- 
son's,  on  Dan  River,  and  preached.  In  the  space  of  one 
week  we  have  ridden,  through  rough,  mountainous  tracts  of 
country,  about  three  hundred  miles.  Brothers  Poythress, 
Tunnell,  and  myself  have  had  serious  views  of  things,  and 
mature  counsels  together. 

Sunday,  25.  Preached,  and  had  a  love-feast  and  sacrament. 
2* 


34 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [June,  1*788. 


I  then  rode  to  the  widow  Dicks's :  many  were  waiting  here, 
and  the  power  of  God  was  felt  by  some,  whilst  I  enlarged  on 
Isaiah  lv.  1-3. 

Monday,  26.  We  had  a  good  time  at  Martin's.  Leaving 
this,  on  our  way  to  Stamfield,  we  were  obliged  to  swim  our 
horses  across  Dan  River,  and  losing  our  road,  made  it  late 
before  we  arrived. 

Riding  thirty  miles  brought  us  to  Hammon's :  here  we  had 
a  serious,  feeling  time,  while  I  spoke  on  Isaiah  lxi. 

Thursday,  29.  Reached  E.  T  's  about  two  o'clock,  and 

gave  a  short  discourse  on  "  Happy  is  he  that  hath  the  God  of 
Jacob  for  his  help."  Thence  to  Pope's,  to  Hill's,  to  Long's, 
and  to  Jones's  chapel :  on  our  way  to  the  latter  place  we  got 
out  of  our  route  when  within  a  mile  of  the  chapel,  and  did 
not  reach  it  till  two  o'clock. 

Sunday,  June  1.  At  Clayton's  there  are  a  hundred  blacks 
joined  in  society ;  and  they  appear  to  have  real  religion 
among  them — here  Ethiopia  doth  stretch  out  her  hand  unto 
the  Lord.  I  suppose  there  were  not  less  than  a  thousand 
souls  at  preaching. 

North  Carolina. — Monday,  2,  Preached  at  Moore's  in 
Northampton — once  a  poor,  dead  people,  but  now  revived, 
and  increased  from  eleven  to  sixty  members. 

We  had  much  of  the  power  of  God  at  Clark's  :  sixty  mem- 
bers, among  whom  are  some  children,  are  the  subjects  of  this 
work.  I  feel  life  among  these  people — preaching  and  pray- 
ing is  not  labour  here :  their  noise  I  heed  not ;  I  can  bear  it 
well  when  I  know  that  God  and  Christ  dwells  in  the  hearts 
of  the  people.  Thence  I  passed  through  Southampton,  where 
I  also  beheld  the  power  of  God  manifested  in  several  lively 
meetings. 

Virginia. — Rode  to  and  rested  with  Philip  Davis.  On 
Saturday  I  had  a  feeling,  living  time  on  Psalm  lxxxv,  9,  10. 

Sunday,  8.  We  had  a  gracious  season  :  it  was  a  memorable 
day,  and  my  soul  was  much  blessed.  After  meeting,  we 
hastened  to  Petersburg,  where  I  preached  on  2  Cor.  v,  20.  Our 
elders  and  deacons  met  for  conference  :  all  things  were  brought 


July,  1788.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


3.3 


on  in  love.  The  town  folks  were  remarkably  kind  and  atten- 
tive ;  the  people  of  God  in  much  love.  The  awful  circum- 
stance of  B.  C  's  losing  his  religion,  and  lately  attempting 

to  pull  out  R.  Swift's  eyes,  may  yet  be  sanctified  to  some, 
and  explained  by  his  conduct  hereafter. 

Friday,  13.  I  preached  a  pastoral  sermon,  under  a  large 
arbour  near  the  borders  of  the  town,  on  1  Tim.  iv,  13-16, 
with  considerable  consolation.  Ordained  Henry  Ogburn  and 
John  Baldwin,  deacons ;  and  Edward  Morris  and  Ira  Ellis, 
elders. 

Sunday,  15.  I  preached  at  the  Manakintown ;  then  rode 
to  Maxcy's. 

Monday,  16.  Rode  about  fifty  miles  to  brother  Agee's  in 
Buckingham  county ;  and  thence  to  Bedford  circuit ;  in  our 
route  we  were  compelled  to  ford  the  James  River,  not  without 
clanger :  we  were  hospitably  entertained. 

Wednesday,  18.  At  night  I  had  some  opening  whilst  I  en- 
forced "  Whosoever  shall  call  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord 
shall  be  saved." 

Heavy  rains,  bad  roads,  straying,  bewildered  in  the  woods — 
through  all  these  I  worried  to  Murphy's  :  great  was  the  cross 
under  which  1  spoke  on  "The  grace  of  God  that  bringeth 
salvation,"  &c.  I  had  a  high  fever,  and  was  otherwise  dis- 
tressed in  body,  and  ill  at  ease  in  mind  :  I  was  afraid  the 
medicine  I  had  made  use  of  would  be  injurious  to  me  in  con- 
sequence of  my  getting  wet. 

Saturday,  28.  I  had  considerable  liberty,  though  unwell, 
at  Ayres's  new  chapel. 

Sunday,  29.  After  preaching  I  went  to  V  's,  and  after 

trying,  had  to  silence  him.  O,  my  God,  what  awful  subjects 
come  before  me ! 

Monday,  30.  Crossed  the  high  mountains,  and  came  to 
H  's  in  Green  Brier. 

Tuesday,  July  1.  I  enlarged  on  Gal.  iii,  22.  We  then  rode 
to  M'Pherson's,  a  serious  family  on  Sinking  Creek,  where  I 
preached  with  some  freedom.  After  crossing  some  considera- 
ble mountains,  and  preaching  occasionally,  on  Friday  we  ar- 


ASBURT'S  JOURNAL.  [July,  1788. 


rived  at  the  Sweet  Springs :  here  I  preached,  and  the  people 
were  very  attentive. 

Saturday  and  Sunday,  5,  G.  I  had  large  congregations  at 
Rohoboth.    I  preached  with  some  satisfaction. 

Monday,  7.   Our  troubles  began ;  it  being  the  day  we  set 

out  for  Clarksburg.    Thirty  miles  brought  us  to  W  's, 

on  the  Great  Levels. 

Tuesday,  8.  Reached  M'Neal's,  on  the  Little  Levels,  where 
almost  the  whole  settlement  came  together,  with  whom  I 
found  freedom  on  Matt,  xi,  28-30.  Our  brother  Phoebus 
had  to  answer  questions  propounded  to  him  until  evening. 

Wednesday,  9.  We  rode  to  the  Clover  Lick,  to  a  very  re- 
mote and  exposed  house.  Here  we  found  good  lodgings  for 
the  place.  The  former  tenant  had  made  a  small  estate  by 
keeping  cattle,  horses,  &c,  on  the  range,  which  is  fertile  and 
extensive. 

Thursday,  10.  We  had  to  cross  the  Alleghany  mountain 
again,  at  a  bad  passage.  Our  course  lay  over  mountains  and 
through  valleys,  and  the  mud  and  mire  was  such  as  might 
scarcely  be  expected  in  December.  We  came  to  an  old,  for- 
saken habitation  in  Tyger's  Valley.  Here  our  horses  grazed 
about,  while  we  boiled  our  meat.  Midnight  brought  us  up  at 
Jones's,  after  riding  forty,  or  perhaps  n'fty  miles.  The  old 
man,  our  host,  was  kind  enough  to  wake  us  up  at  four  o'clock 
in  the  morning.  We  journeyed  on  through  devious  lonely 
wilds,  where  no  food  might  be  found,  except  what  grew  in 
the  woods,  or  was  carried  with  us.  We  met  with  two 
women  who  were  going  to  see  their  friends,  and  to  attend  the 
quarterly  meeting  at  Clarksburg.    Near  midnight  we  stopped 

at  A  's,  who  hissed  his  dogs  at  us  :  but  the  women  were 

determined  to  get  to  quarterly  meeting,  so  we  went  in.  Our 
supper  was  tea.    Brothers  Phoebus  and  Cook  took  to  the 

woods  ;  old   gave  up  his  bed  to  the  women.    I  lay 

along  the  floor  on  a  few  deer-skins  with  the  fleas.  That  night 
our  poor  horses  got  no  corn  ;  and  next  morning  they  had  to 
swim  across  the  Monongahcla.  After  a  twenty  miles'  ride  wc 
came  to  Clarksburg,  and  man  and  beast  were  so  outdone  that 


July,  1788.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


37 


it  took  us  ten  hours  to  accomplish  it.  I  lodged  with  Col. 
Jackson.  Our  meeting  was  held  in  a  long,  close  room  be- 
longing to  tlie  Baptists.  Our  use  of  the  house  it  seems  gave 
offence.  There  attended  about  seven  hundred  people,  to 
whom  I  preached  with  freedom;  and  I  believe  the  Lord's 
power  reached  the  hearts  of  some.  After  administering  the 
sacrament,  I  was  well  satisfied  to  take  my  leave.  We  rode 
thirty  miles  to  Father  Haymond's,  after  three  o'clock,  Sunday 
afternoon,  and  made  it  nearly  eleven  before  we  came  in. 
About  midnight  we  went  to  rest,  and  rose  at  five  o'clock  next 
morning.  My  mind  has  been  severely  tried  under  the  great 
fatigue  endured  both  by  myself  and  my  horse.  0,  how  glad 
should  I  be  of  a  plain,  clean  plank  to  lie  on,  as  preferable  to 
most  of  the  beds ;  and  where  the  beds  are  in  a  bad  state,  the 
floors  are  worse.  The  gnats  are  almost  as  troublesome  here, 
as  the  mosquitoes  in  the  lowlands  of  the  seaboard.  This  country 
will  require  much  work  to  make  it  tolerable.  The  people 
are,  many  of  them,  of  the  boldest  cast  of  adventurers,  and 
with  some  the  decencies  of  civilized  society  are  scarcely  re- 
garded, two  instances  of  which  I  myself  witnessed.  The 
great  landholders  who  arc  industrious  will  soon  show  the  ef- 
fects of  the  aristocracy  of  wealth,  by  lording  it  over  their 
poorer  neighbours,  and  by  securing  to  themselves  all  the 
offices  of  profit  or  honour.  On  the  one  hand  savage  warfare 
teaches  them  to  be.  cruel ;  and  on  the  other,  the  preaching 
of  Antinomians  poisons  them  with  error  in  doctrine  :  good 
moralists  they  are  not,  and  good  Christians  they  cannot  be, 
unless  they  are  better  taught. 

Tuesday,  15.  I  had  a  lifeless,  disorderly  people  to  hear  me 
at  Morgantown,  to  whom  I  preached  on  "  I  will  hear  what 
God  the  Lord  will  speak."  It  is  matter  of  grief  to  behold 
the  excesses,  particularly  in  drinking,  which  abound  here.  I 
preached  at  a  new  chapel  near  Colonel  Martin's,  and  felt  much 
life,  love,  and  power.  Rode  to  the  widow  11  's,  and  re- 
freshed with  a  morsel  to  eat ;  thence  to  M.  Hard  en's,  where, 
though  we  had  an  earth  floor,  we-  had  good  beds  and  table 
entertainment. 


38 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Aug.,  1788. 


Friday,  18.  Rode  forty  miles  to  quarterly  meeting  at 
Doddridge's,  where  Ave  had  a  melting  season. 

Sunday,  20.  From  twelve  o'clock  to-day  we  rode  forty 
miles — my  soul  in  sweet  peace. 

Tuesday,  22.  Our  conference  began  at  Union  Town.  We 
felt  great  peace  whilst  together  ;  and  our  counsels  were  mark- 
ed by  love  and  prudence.  We  had  seven  members  of  con- 
ference and  five  probationers.  I  preached  on  1  Peter  v,  7  ; 
and  brother  Whatcoat  gave  us  an  excellent  discourse  on  "  0 ! 
man  of  God,  flee  these  things." 

Friday,  25.  We  concluded  our  conference. 

Saturday  and  Sunday,  26,  27.  Attended  quarterly 
meeting. 

Monday,  28.  Came  over  the  mountains  along  very  bad 
roads.  Brothffr  Whatcoat  and  myself  were  both  sick.  We 
stopped  at  SimMns's,  and  were  comfortably  entertained. 

Virginia. — Tuesday,  29.  Reached  Barratt's,  where  we 
had  a  little  rest  and  peace.  We  had  left  our  horses  at  Old 
Town  on  the  other  side  of  the  river,  but  I  thought  it  best  to 
have  them  brought  over,  and  so  it  was ;  for  that  night  there 
were  two  stolen.  On  Monday  we  rested  ;  on  Tuesday  rode 
down  to  Capon ;  and  on  Wednesday  visited  Bath.  I  took 
lodgings  at  brother  Williams's,  was  well  fixed,  and  found  the 
waters  to  be  of  service  to  me. 

Sunday,  August  10.  Preached  at  Bath.  I  received  heavy 
tidings  from  the  college — both  our  teachers  have  left ;  one 
for  incompetency,  and  the  other  to  pursue  riches  and  honours : 
had  they  cost  us  nothing,  the  mistake  we  made  in  employing 
them  might  be  the  less  regretted.  I  have  read  one  volume 
of  Church  History,  by  Mosheim,  containing  an  account  of  the 
slate  of  ecclesiastical  matters  in  Germany,  and  the  different 
Churches. 

Sunday,  17.  I  attempted  to  preach  at  Bath,  on  "the  lame 
and  the  blind  :"  the  discourse  was  very  lame  ;  and  it  may  be, 
I  left  my  hearers  as  I  found  them — blind. 

I  am  now  closely  engaged  in  reading,  writing,  and  prayer — 
my  soul  enjoys  much  of  God.    We  have  great  rains,  and  are 


Sept.,  1788.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


39 


obliged  to  keep  close  house ;  but  we  have  a  little  of  almost 
everything  to  improve  the  mind — the  languages,  divinity, 
grammar,  history,  and  belles-lettres ;  my  great  desire  is  to  im- 
prove in  the  best  things. 

Sunday,  24.  Preached  at  Bath,  on  Isaiah  l.xiii,  1,  with  little 
liberty  and  poor  attendance.  But  we  have  some  stir  among 
the  poor  people  in  the  country. 

Friday,  29.  We  left  Bath,  and  on  the  Saturday  and  Sunday 
following  attended  a  quarterly  meeting.  I  felt  enlargement 
on  Peter's  case,  and  also  in  the  love-feast. 

Monday,  September  I.  I  enlarged  with  some  freedom  on 
the  case  of  the  man  who  brought  the  child  to  our  Lord. 
,    Wednesday,  3.  Rode  from  L  Hite's  to  the  Blue-Ridge  :  the 
weather  was  warm,  and  so  were  the  hearts  of  the  people. 

Thursday,  4.  I  preached  at  Leesburg,  and  was  very  warm, 
on,  "Thou  wilt  aiise  and  favour  Zion  ;"  and  the  people  ap- 
peared to  be  somewhat  stirred  up.  To-day  I  received  a  letter 
from  brother  Tunnel],  informing  of  the  spreading  of  the  work 
of  God  in  West  New  River,  and  several  parts  of  North  Caro- 
lina.   Glory  be  to  God,  for  his  great  and  glorious  power ! 

Maryland. —  Wednesday,  10.  Oar  conference  began  in 
Baltimore.  I  chose  not  to  preach  while  my  mind  was  clogged 
by  business  with  so  many  persons,  and  on  so  many  subjects. 

Sunday,  14.  I  felt  considerably  moved  at  our  own  church 
in  the  morning,  and  in  the  Dutch  church  in  the  afternoon: 
the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  came  among  the  people,  and  sinners 
cried  aloud  for  mercy :  perhaps  not  less  than  twenty  souls 
found  the  Lord  from  that  time  until  the  Tuesday  following. 

Moiulay,  Tuesday,  and  Wednesday,  were  spent  at  Cokes- 
bury  in  examining  and  arranging  the  temporal  concerns  of  the 
college. 

Pennsylvania. — Sunday,  21.  I  preached  with  some  satis- 
faction, morning  and  evening,  in  Philadelphia.  On  Monday, 
our  conference  began  and  held  until  Friday,  26. 

Saturday,  21.  We  left  the  city. 

New -Jersey. — Sunday,  28.  Preached  with  some  assistance 
in  Elizabethtown. 


40 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1*788. 


New-York. — Monday,  29.  Rode  to  New- York.  Next  day 
(Tuesday,  30)  our  conference  began,  and  continued  until 
Saturday,  th#  4th  of  October. 

New-Jersey. — Sunday  and  Monday,  October  5,  6.  My 
sold  was  uncommonly  led  out  in  prayer  and  preaching — I 
found  it  a  very  gracious  season.  My  return  brought  me 
through  Elizabetlitown,  Amboy,  Hydestown,  Crosswecks,  and 
Burlington. 

Delaware. — Sunday,  12.  I  was  much  depressed  in  spirit 
whilst  in  Philadelphia.  I  left  there  on  Wednesday,  and 
preached  at  Chester,  where  I  had  some  energy ;  and  had 
openings  at  Wilmington  and  Duck-Creek,  where  I  also  ad- 
ministered the  word  of  life. 

Monday,  20.  Our  meeting  in  Dover  was  attended  with 
some  power.  At  Milford  we  had  liberty  and  love.  At 
Johnstown  I  was  very  unwell,  and  was  under  the  necessity  of 
going  to  bed,  but  our  friends  were  alive  :  God  is  with  them 
of  a  truth.  Preached  at  Shankland's.  My  soul  enjoys  gnat 
peace  and  love.  On  Sunday  I  was  under  bodily  affliction, 
but  I  went  to  the  court-house  and  spoke  a  few  words  on, 
"Ye  will  not  come  to  me  that  ye  might  have  life."  We  have 
a  house  now  building,  and  I  hope  something  will  be  done  here. 

Monday  was  remarkably  warm  weather,  and  I  was  ready 
to  faint  whilst  I  rode  to  the  Sound.  We  readied  Powell's 
about  three  o'clock. 

Wednesday,  22.  I  was  very  alarming — seldom,  if  ever, 
have  I  felt  more  moved.  We  came  away,  and  rode  twenty- 
five  miles,  having  nothing  to  eat  from  eight  o'clock  in  the 
morning  till  six  at  night.  My  body  was  weak,  but  my  soul 
was  kept  in  peace.  Knowing  the  obligations  I  am  under  to 
pay  money  to  several  persons  to  whom  the  college  is  in- 
debted, my  mind  is  much  exercised,  and  I  feel  very  heavily 
the  weight  of  such  responsibility.    The  Lord  opened  the  heart 

of  ,  and  I  thankfully  received  the  kindness  as  from  God 

and  man. 

Maryland. — Preached  at  Bowen's,  and  I  trust  the  Lord 
was  present ;  as  also  at  the  Lord's  supper.    We  then  hasted 


Nov.,  1788.] 


ASBTJRY'S  JOURNAL. 


41 


to  the  widow  Paramore's,  about  nineteen  miles :  the  people 
were  moved  whilst  I  exhorted  them  to  come  boldly  to  the 
throne  of  grace. 

On  Friday  I  met  with  an  engaged  people  at  Pernal's, 
and  they  appeared  tender  whilst  I  enlarged  on,  "  My  grace  is 
sufficient  for  thee."  After  meeting  we  rode  to  B.'s,  nineteen 
miles. 

Virginia. —  Saturday,  November  1.  Attended  a  quarterly 
meeting  at  Garrettson-chapel.  0  how  changed  !  A  preacher 
absent  nearly  nine  weeks  from  his  circuit,  failing  to  give  proper 
notice  of  the  quarterly  meeting.  Other  persuasions  are  less 
supine ;  and  their  minister  boldly  preaches  against  the  free- 
dom of  the  slaves.  Our  brother  Everett  with  no  less  zeal 
and  boldness,  cries  aloud  for  liberty — emancipation. 

Sunday,  2.  Brother  Whatcoat  preached,  and  I  exhorted  a 
little.  My  soul  and  body  are  deeply  impressed.  We  rode 
fifteen  miles  that  evening,  and  held  meeting  again. 

Monday,  3.  Myself  and  the  people  were  comforted  at  S.'s  : 
we  had  a  meeting  in  the  evening. 

Wednesday,  5.  I  preached  at  the  school-house,  on  Peter's  • 
denial  of  Christ :  it  was  a  time  of  refreshing — there  were  few 
present  that  did  not  feel  the  word.    Spoke  again  in  the  even- 
ing at  S  's  to  a  very  unfeeling  people. 

Friday,  7.  Preached  at  the  court-house,  to  many  people, 
with  liberty.  We  have  had  heavy  riding ;  dust,  heat,  and 
fevers.  Our  meeting  at  Downing's  almost  overcame  us  with 
heat  and  fatigue. 

Maryland. — At  Annamessex  quarterly  meeting  I  was  at 
liberty  on  Rev.  iii,  20.  Again  I  preached  on,  "  Fear  not,  lit- 
tle flock,"  &c.  :  most  of  our  members  in  these  parts  have 
freed  their  slaves. 

Wednesday,  12.  We  had  a  precious  season  at  the  line 
chapel  on  Rev.  iii,  18  :  "I  counsel  thee  to  buy  of  me  gold  tried 
in  the  fire,"  &c.  After  meeting  I  rode  to  Broad  Creek.  We 
have  travelled  little  less  than  two  hundred  miles  a  week. 

Thursday,  13.  At  quarterly  meeting  I  preached  on,  "  Thy 
teachers  shall  not  be  removed  into  a  corner." 


42 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Nov.,  1788. 


Friday,  14.  My  subject  was,  "Is  my  hand  shortened  at 
all  that  I  cannot  redeem,  or  have  I  no  power  to  deliver  ?" — 
there  was  some  moving  on  the  souls  of  the  people.  Bode 

twelve  miles  to  L  's,  and  preached  at  night  on  "  Search 

the  Scriptures." 

Delaware. — After  preaching  at  North-West  Fork,  I  rode 

twenty-five  miles  to  quarterly  meeting  at  E  's :  here 

we  had  a  good  time.  I  preached  at  Johnson's,  Todd's, 
and  at  the  chapel.  I  feel  myself  weak,  but  the  Lord  is 
present. 

Friday,  21.  I  felt  some  power  in  speaking  on  Matt,  xi, 

5,  6,  at  Mr.  K  's.    We  came  on  to  Hooper's,  where  we 

had  a  time  of  refreshing. 

Saturday  and  Sunday,  22,  23.  Attended  quarterly  meet- 
ing at  William  Frazicr's  :  there  was  some  quickening  among 
the  people  each  day. 

We  crossed  Choptank  to  Bolingbrokc — death  !  death  !  The 
second  day  of  our  meeting  a  great  power  went  through 
the  congregation,  and  a  noble  shout  was  heard  among  the 
people. 

I  was  much  led  out  at  the  Bay-side.  At  Doctor  Allen's 
I  was  greatly  comforted,  after  a  wet  ride  of  thirty  miles. 

I  preached  at  Queenstown  to  a  few  people,  who  appear  to 
be  far  gone  in  forgetfulness  of  God. 

Maryland. — I  went  to  Kent  Island,  and  found  about  two 
hundred  and  fifty  people,  among  whom  were  some  of  the  rich 
and  great :  we  had  a  good  meeting.  I  then  returned  to 
Queenstown,  and  gave  the  citizens  another  rally  ;  there  were 
more  to  hear  than  before. 

Saturday,  20.  I  felt  some  power  in  preaching  at  Board- 
ley's.  We  had  a  little  move  among  the  people  at  Choptank. 
My  soul  is  kept  in  peace.  In  times  past  1  have  felt  some 
disagreeable  impressions  on  my  mind  about  the  college  being 
burnt ;  now  I  have  heard  of  an  attempt  to  do  it :  but  I  trust 
the  Lord  will  encamp  about  the  house.  We  had  a  very  good 
meeting  at  Dover,  although  the  weather  was  very  cold.  We 
had  meeting  again  that  night  in  town — I  hope  not  in  vain. 


Dec,  1788.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


43 


Next  day  I  rode  to  Dudley's  church,  Queen  Annes  ;  and 
thence  to  Chestertown,  and  preached  on,  "  Let  us  have  grace 
wherehy  we  may  serve  God  acceptably,  with  reverence  and 
godly  fear." 

Saturday,  December  G.  I  had  some  freedom  in  preaching 
at  Stillpond  church,  on,  "  Simon,  Satan  hath  desired  to  have 
you,  that  he  might  sift  you  as  wheat,"  &c. 

Sunday,  7.  I  preached  at  the  widow  Woodland's  ;  was 
not  in  a  good  frame  of  body  or  mind.  At  Georgetown  I  felt 
still  worse  ;  and  to  crown  all,  I  had  a  long  dispute  with  Mr. 
B  ■  about  ordination  and  experimental  religion. 

Monday,  8.  Rode  to  Cecil  court-house,  and  had,  I  trust,  a 
profitable  time.  We  crossed  Elk  River  to  brother  Ford's, 
and  had  a  gracious  meeting  at  his  house. 

Tuesday,  9.  We  had  a  damp  ride  to  Cokesbury,  and  found 
it  was  even  as  it  had  been  reported  to  us :  an  attempt  had 
been  made  to  burn  the  college  by  putting  fire  into  one  of  the 
closets ;  but  some  of  the  students  made  a  timely  discovery, 
and  it  was  extinguished.  I  stayed  two  days  and  expended 
more  than  £100,  and  felt  my  spirit  tried.  I  put  the  young 
men  to  board  in  the  college.  We  have  some  promising  youths 
among  them  for  learning,  but  they  want  religion. 

I  came  to  Baltimore,  and  found  some  tokens  of  the  Divine 
presence,  at  the  quarterly  meeting,  on  Chron.  xv,  8,  "  Thou 
canst  save  by  many,  or  by  those  that  have  no  might." 

Monday,  15.  Came  to  Cromwell's  and  preached  with  some 
satisfaction.  Thence  I  hasted  to  Annapolis,  where  the  Lord 
was  present  while  I  declared  "  The  Lord's  hand  is .  not 
shortened." 

Tuesday,' IG.  Rode  to  Weems's  chapel,  and  preached  with 
fervour  on,  "  0  Zion,  that  bringest  good  tidings,"  &c.  Thence 
to  Calvert  quarterly  meeting  :  the  weather  was  very  cold,  but 
there  was  some  spiritual  heat  among  the  people. 

Virginia. — Friday,  19.  Rode  thirty  miles  to  Hoe's  ferry; 
and  thence  to  Pope's,  about  thirty  miles  more :  the  weather 
is  still  excessively  cold. 

Sunday,  21.  I  preached  to  a  few  tender  souls  at  P  's, 


44 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1789. 


on  Isaiah  xxix,  17  :  "  Yet  a  very  little  while  and  Lebanon  shall 
be  a  fruitful  field." 

Tuesday,  23.  Had  a  few  lively  people  at  Woollard's.  I 
read,  write,  pray,  and  ride ;  and  hope  to  see  much  of  the 
power  of  God  on  this  journey. 

Christmas  day.  I  preached  in  the  open  house  at  Fairfield's, 
on  Isaiah  ix,  6.  I  felt  warm  in  speaking ;  but  there  was  an 
offensive  smell  of  rum  among  the  people. 

Saturday,  27.  At  the  Presbyterian  church  in  Lancaster, 
there  was  a  divine  stir  in  the  congregation.  Envy  and  dis- 
putation have  been  injurious  to  the  work  of  God  in  these 
parts.  0  may  the  Lord  yet  help  us  and  revive  his  work !  I 
found  our  opposing  the  doctrine  of  final  perseverance  had 
given  offence :  a  house  of  our  own  will  alone  fix  us  properly. 

January  1,  1789.  After  waiting  about  two  hours,  the  wind 
suddenly  calmed,  and  I  crossed  Rappahannock  and  came  to 
Cheesecake. 

We  had  a  comfortable  meeting  at  R.  M.'s,  in  Kingston, 

thence  to  B  's ;  and  afterward  to  D  's,  where,  although 

I  had  an  unfeeling  audience,  I  had  satisfaction  in  my  own 
soul. 

We  came  to  James  City ;  where  God  has  wrought  a  glo- 
rious work ;  as  also  in  New  Kent  county  in  the  same  circuit : 
a  number  of  young  people  have  been  made  the  subjects  of 
this  grace. 

Thursday,  8.  I  had  a  most  agreeable  passage,  for  the  sea- 
son, across  James  River.  Arrived  at  Mooning's  about  three 
o'clock,  and  found  a  lively  people.  Christians  here  appear  to 
stand  faithful,  but  sinners  are  not  brought  in. 

Friday,  9.  Was  a  good  day  at  Ellis's :  my  soul  felt  peace, 
and  I  was  happy  to  find  our  old  friends  standing  fast. 

Saturday,  10.  We  had  a  happy  meeting  at  Lane's  chapt  1. 
I  went  to  the  widow  Lane's :  I  felt  uneasy ;  but  I  found  it 
needful  for  me  to  be  there. 

Sunday,  11.  Preached  on,  "Kiss  the  Son,"  <fec,  and  afler- 
terward  rode  fifteen  miles  to  Moss's.  They  arc  a  dear  people 
at  Lane's  chapel :  slavery  is  greatly  on  the  decline  among  them. 


Jan.,  1789.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


45 


Tuesday,  13.  An  appointment  had  been  made  at  Mabry's 
chapel,  but  the  sleet  and  rain  hindered  the  people  from  at- 
tending ;  so  I  preached  at  brother  Theweett's  to  about  six 
preachers,  and  as  many  members. 

Wednesday,  14.  I  had  about  three  hundred  hearers  at  the 
Low  Ground  chapel :  our  brethren  shouted  whilst  1  enlarged 
on  Isaiah  lxiii,  1 .  I  have  felt  very  solemn  for  two  or  three 
days  past,  as  though  God  would  speak  through  me  to  the 
souls  of  the  people. 

Thursday,  15.  Rode  to  Moore's ;  had  a  dead,  dull  people, 
except  those  few  who  came  from  a  distance.  Crossed  Roanoak, 
and  arriving  at  the  place  of  preaching  a  little  after  night,  I 
spoke  on,  "  Comfort  ye,  comfort  ye  my  people,"  tfec. 

North  Carolina. — Saturday  and  Sunday,  17, 18.  Preach- 
ed at  Whitaker's  chapel,  where  Ave  had  a  profitable  time :  I 
found  God  had  been  working,  and  that  many  souls  had 
been  awakened. 

We  came  to  J  's  :  in  this  neighbourhood  the  Christians 

are  singularly  devoted,  but  sinners  yet  stand  it  out.  The  Lord 
has  begun  to  work  on  Sandy  Creek,  in  Franklin  county,  where 
twenty  souls  have  been  lately  brought  to  God.  Came  to 
liemnet  Hills,  hungry  and  unwell.  My  soul  enjoys  much  of 
God. 

We  had  a  shaking  time  at  H  's  ;  a  sweet  love-feast  and 

sacrament.  Thence  I  went  to  Pope's  chapel :  I  came  to 
G  's. 

Saturday,  24.  Rode  to  Kimborough's,  twenty  miles,  where 
there  were  many  people,  and  but  little  engagedness  among  them. 
After  attending  a  few  appointments  on  Tuesday  27,  I  crossed 
Haw  River,  and  rode  twenty  miles  to  brother  Konnon's,  in 
Chatham  county :  I  had  not  been  in  this  county  for  eight 
years  ;  we  had  a  meeting  at  night,  but  1  was  strangely  shut  up. 

Thursday,  29.  Rode  to  W.'s,  wet  and  water-bound :  we 
found  the  poor  Antinomian  drunk ;  however,  as  the  rain  was 
great,  we  made  out  to  stay. 

Friday,  30.  Rode  through  the  rain  to  Bowdon's.  Deep 
River  was  very  high  ;  and  we  had  an  awful  time  in  crossing  it. 


46 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Feb.,  1789- 


Saturday,  31,  Came  to  Fair  Creek,  which  was  nearly  swim- 
ming high.  Then  to  Little  River,  but  Ave  could  not  cross  ;  we 
stopped  at  M'D.'s,  and  ate  our  own  morsel ;  afterward  we  rode 
down  the  river,  and  were  thankful  to  be  housed. 

Monday,  Feb.  2.  I  attended  an  appointment  made  for  an- 
other preacher  at  Mask's,  where  there  were  a  few  serious  souls. 

Tuesday,  3.  I  stopped  on  my  way  at  Dr.  King's,  and  took 
dinner,  and  had  my  horse  shod.  By  some  means  my  appoint- 
ments have  not  been  published. 

South  Carolina. — Came  to  the  Green  Ponds,  where  there 
was  an  appointment  for  me  ;  I  felt  a  little  comforted.  I  have 
ridden  about  one  hundred  and  forty  miles  in  the  last  seven 
days,  through  a  very  disagreeable  part  of  the  country  to  travel 
when  the  waters  are  high :  I  hare  had  various  exercises,  and 
in  have  suffered  hunger,  fatigue,  and  fever,  and  have  not  had 
a  comfortable  bed  for  a  week  past. 

Wednesday,  4.  I  was  much  moved  at  the  Beauty  Spot,  on, 
"  Ye  did  run  well,"  &c.  I  found  it  had  been  the  case  here ; 
but  ah  !  the  use  of  strong  liquor. 

We  rode  to  R.'s,  a  long  stretch  across  a  deep  swamp  :  we 
came  in  late,  and  I  preached  with  little  liberty.  I  lodged  at 
 ,  a  poor,  kind  man. 

Sunday,  8.  Notwithstanding  the  rain,  we  had  many  to  hear 
at  Flowers's.  It  was  in  due  season  that  I  was  led  out  lu  re 
on  Peter's  denial  of  his  Master ;  for  there  has  been  a  great 
falling  away,  particularly  by  drunkenness:  this  was  not  told 
me  till  after  preaching. 

Monday,  9.  Rode  to  Rewell's  meeting-house  :  my  soul  was 
in  peace,  and  uncommonly  led  out  in  preaching.  Thence  to 
Port's,  Long  Ferry,  three  miles  across  Pee  Dee :  the  inunda- 
tion of  the  river,  occasioned  by  the  rains,  lias  made  a  mere 
sea.  My  mind  has  been  variously  tried  and  strongly  exercised 
by  dejection.    Lord,  give  me  faith  and  patience ! 

Tuesday,  10.  Came,  after  a  ride  of  forty  miles,  to  George- 
town, and  lectured  on  Isa.  xl,  1-9. 

Friday,  13.  Rode  forty-five  miles  to  Wappataw  ;  and  next 
day  arrived  in  Charleston  in  sweet  peace  of  soul. 


Mar.,  1789.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


47 


Sunday,  15.  Preached  in  the  morning  with  some  light;  in 
the  afternoon  on  Matt,  xi,  28-30.  I  preached  again  on  Tues- 
day and  on  Wednesday.  My  heart  was  drawn  out  greatly 
for  these  people. 

Friday,  20.  I  spoke  very  pointedly  on  Rev.  iii,  20-22,  hut 
the  people  are  of  small  spiritual  understanding.  Lord,  stir 
them  up !  I  was  closely  employed  in  making  my  plan,  and 
arranging  the  papers  for  conference.  I  made  out  a  register 
of  all  the  preachers  on  the  continent  who  bear  the  name  of 
Methodists. 

Saturday,  21.  I  was  very  ill  with  a  fever  and  colic;  and 
it  being  rainy,  I  kept  within  doors. 

Sunday,  22.  Very  rainy,  but  I  had  about  a  hundred  blacks, 
and  nearly  fifty  whites  to  hear  me.  I  preached  also  in  the 
afternoon,  and  at  night. 

Tuesday,  24.  I  set  out  for  Edisto  circuit,  journeying  up  the 
south  side  of  Ashley  River.  Here  live  the  rich  and  great 
who  have  houses  in  the  city  and  country,  and  go  backward 
and  forward  in  their  splendid  chariots  ;  the  land,  however,  with 
the  exception  of  the  rice-fields,  is  barren,  the  weather  is  cold : 
but  my  soul  has  peace — full  and  flowing  peace.  After  riding 
thirty-six  miles,  I  was  kindly  entertained  by  Mr.  Givcham  ; 
but  there  was  still  something  wanting. 

Wednesday,  25.  They  were  out  of  bread  at  P  's,  and 

we  found  our  own  stores  of  use.  We  had  to  send  one  of  our 
weary  horses  eight  miles  to  fetch  the  flour  from  the  mill. 

Thursday,  26.  Rode  to  Bruten's,  and  enjoyed  uncommon 
happiness  in  God.  Some  time  in  the  night  Dr.  Coke  came 
in :  he  had  landed  in  Charleston  about  three  hours  after  I  left 
the  city :  next  day  he  and  myself  both  spoke  at  Ridgell's. 

Sunday,  March  1.  We  spent  the  day  at  Chester's:  we 
had  very  few  hearers,  occasioned,  in  part,  by  a  black  man's 
preaching  not  far  distant. 

Monday,  2.  I  was  violently  exercised.  The  Doctor  and 
myself  both  preached  at  Puckctt's.  Thence  we  set  out  with 
a  design  to  reach  Tread  way's,  but  were  greatly  deceived,  and 
went  up  the  road  that  leads  to  Ninety-Six  ;  at  last  we  thought 


4  8 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Mar.,  1789. 


we  had  gone  far  enough,  and  stopped  at  a  house  twenty-one 
miles  from  the  place  whence  we  started,  and  still  .farther  from 
the  place  we  aimed  at. 

Georgia. — Came  to  Doctor  Fuller's,  at  Beach  Island,  and 
next  day  arrived  in  Augusta,  Georgia.  Riding  late  two 
nights  past,  has  much  disordered  me ;  having  taken  a  cold, 
attended  with  a  fever  and  pain  in  the  head. 

Thursday,  5.  I  obtained  a  little  rest  at  brother  Haines's. 

Friday,  6.  Although  it  rained,  we  had  a  few  people  at 
Brownsborough.  Next  day  there  was  some  life  at  Scott's. 
Here  they  have  built  us  a  large  chapel. 

Sunday,  8.  Our  conference  began  at  Grant's.  Here  we 
have  a  house  for  public  worship  ;  and  one  also  at  Merrewea- 
ther's.  On  Thursday  we  appointed  a  committee  to  procure 
five  hundred  acres  of  land  for  the  establishment  of  a  school  in 
the  State  of  Georgia.  Conference  being  ended,  we  directed 
our  hasty  steps  back  to  Charleston,  calling  at  the  several 
places  we  attended  on  our  journey  hither. 

South-Carolina. — Sunday,  15.  We  reached  the  city, 
baying  ridden  two  hundred  miles  in  about  five  days  and  two 
hours.  Here  I  received  a  bitter  pill  from  one  of  my  greatest 
friends.  Praise  the  Lord  for  my  trials  also — may  they  all  be 
sanctified ! 

Tuesday,  Wednesday,  and  Thursday,  17,  18,  19,  were 
spent  in  conference  ;  it  was  a  time  of  peace  and  love.  My 
mind  was  much  hurried  with  book,  and  other  temporal  con- 
cerns. We  had  an  unkind  attack  published  against  us  rela- 
tive to  our  slave  rules ;  it  was  answered  to  purpose.  I 
had  not  much  doubt  who  the  author  of  this  unworthy 
work  was. 

Saturday,  21,  was  spent  in  preparing  to  move  on  Mon- 
day next. 

Sunday,  22.  Doctor  Coke  preached  an  ordination  sermon 
in  the  forenoon ;  and  in  the  afternoon  I  felt  lively  in  soul 
whilst  I  enlarged  on  Ezck.  xxxiii,  5. 

Monday,  23.  We  left  the  city,  and  rode  upwards  of  forty 
miles. 


Apr.,  1789.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


49 


Tuesday,  24.  Crossed  the  Santee,  and  came  to  brother 
Browman's. 

Wednesday,  25.  Preached  at  Gibson's  ;  then  rode  to  Ram- 
say's, near  Statesburg,  sixteen  miles. 

Thursday,  26.  I  was  hurried  away  to  preach  a  funeral 
sermon.  I  have  ridden  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles,  and 
preached  three  times  since  I  left  Charleston,  last  Monday 
morning.  I  am  at  times  tempted  to  lightness  ;  yet,  blessed 
be  God,  my  soul  has  sweet  communion  with  him. 

Saturday,  28.  At  Bradford's  chapel  I  preached  on  Heb. 
xi,  16,  17.  At  Rembert's,  on  Isaiah  xl,  1.  My  soul  was 
blest  among  the  people. 

Sunday,  29.  I  was  led  out  in  preaching  and  prayer  ;  the 
people  were  melted  ;  and  the  work  of  God  progresses.  I 
trust  the  Lord  will  get  himself  great  glory  here. 

Monday,  30.  We  rode  about  fifty  miles  to  Colonel  Mar- 
shall's :  the  weather  was  very  warm,  and  we  were  hungry 
and  weary. 

North  Carolina. —  Wednesday,  April  1.  The  people 
came  together  at  Jackson's  at  twelve  o'clock.  I  did  not 
reach  there  until  three.  I  enlarged  a  little  on  Zech.  xiii,  12, 
and  was  somewhat  severe.  I  rode  to  Savannah  Creek,  and 
met  with  an  Antinomian  people.  Reached  Threadgill's ; 
having  been  out  twelve  hours,  and  ridden  nearly  forty  miles, 
without  food  for  man  or  beast. 

Friday,  3.  Preached  by  the  way,  and  came  to  Randall's, 
twenty  miles.  We  have  ridden  three  hundred  miles  in  about 
nine  days,  and  our  horses'  backs  are  bruised  with  their  loads. 
I  want  more  faith,  patience,  and  resignation  to  the  will  of 
God  in  all  things.  I  wish  to  send  an  extra  preacher  to  the 
Waxsaws,  to  preach  to  the  Catabaw  Indians  :  they  have  set- 
tled amongst  the  whites  on  a  tract  of  country  twelve  miles 
square. 

Sunday,  5.  We  had  a  move  whilst  I  was  speaking  on  Isa. 
xxxiii,  14,  15.  Some  souls  were  brought  to  experience  peace 
with  God.  Here  Doctor  Coke  came  up  with  us.  We  expect 
to  continue  together  for  some  time.    We  had  a  long  ride  to 

Vol.  II.— 3. 


50 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1789. 


Jones's.  I  preached  there,  and  continued  on  to  M'Knight's, 
on  the  Yadkin. 

Friday,  10.  We  opened  our  conference,  and  were  blessed 
with  peace  and  union.  Our  brethren  from  the  westward  met 
us,  and  we  had  weighty  matters  for  consideration  before  us. 

Virginia. — We  left  M'Knight's,  having  about  two  hundred 
miles  to  ride  in  four  days.  We  had  a  tedious  ride  to  Al- 
mond's, and  a  blessed  season  of  grace.  Set  out  from 
Almond's,  and  reached  Good's. 

Saturday,  18.  We  rode  thirty-six  miles  to  Petersburg.  On 
Sunday  the  Doctor  preached.  I  had  nothing  to  say  in  public. 
We  met  the  preachers  on  Saturday  and  Sunday  evenings, 
and  brought  our  work  forward.  I  had  disagreeable  feelings 
while  here.  There  is  a  spiritual  death  among  the  people.  I 
spoke  a  little  on  Monday  and  on  Wednesday. 

Thursday,  23.  We  came  to  Manchester.  My  exertions, 
want  of  rest,  and  distress  of  mind,  brought  on  a  violent  head- 
ache. Instead  of  preaching,  I  found  myself  under  the  neces- 
sity of  going  to  bed.  Doctor  Coke  had  gone  over  the  river 
to  Richmond,  and  preached  there. 

Friday,  24.  We  rode  .  about  fifty  miles  ;  and  next  day 
reached  Fredericksburg,  but  found  no  door  open.  We  met 
with  one  soul  in  distress. 

Sunday,  20.  Having  no  appointment  to  preach,  we  pushed 
on  and  rode  forty-five  miles,  and  lodged  in  Prince  William 
county. 

Monday,  27.  Arrived  at  Leesburg,  and  opened  the  confe- 
rence. We  found  a  little  rest  comfortable  to  man,  and  ad- 
vantageous to  beast. 

Maryland. —  Thursday,  30.  We  crossed  Potomac  into 
Maryland.  My  soul  cleaves  to  God  ;  but  I  am  again  afflicted 
in  my  head.  Reaching  brother  Nicholson's,  in  Montgomery, 
we  were  kindly  entertained. 

Friday,  May  1.  1  felt  life  in  speaking. 

Saturday,  2.  We  attended  quarterly  meeting.  Not  being 
permitted  to  use  the  chapel,  wo  went  into  a  tobacco-house. 
Many  attended  ;  and  the  young  converts  shouted  aloud. 


May,  1789.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


51 


Sunday,  3.  Was  a  great  day  to  saints  and  sinners.  God 
has  wrought  wonderfully  in  brother  Pigman's  neighbourhood. 
Fifty  or  sixty  souls  have  been  suddenly  and  powerfully  con- 
verted to  God. 

Came  to  Baltimore,  and  had  very  lively  meetings.  Multi- 
tudes came  to  hear,  and  great  cries  were  heard  among  the 
people,  who  continued  together  until  three  o'clock  in  the 
morning.  Many  souls  professed  to  be  convicted,  converted, 
sanctified. 

On  reaching  Cokesbury,  we  found  that  here  also  God  was 
working  among  the  students.  One,  however,  we  expelled. 
We  revised  our  laws,  and  settled  our  temporal  concerns. 

Tuesday,  12.  We  were  detained  at  Susquehannah  Ferry, 
so  that  we  were  compelled  to  ride  in  the  night  to  reach 
Chestcrtown. 

We  had  a  blessed  work  of  God  on  our  way.  Loud  shout- 
ing was  heard  in  almost  every  meeting.  At  sacrament  espe- 
eiallv,  the  Lord's  power  and  presence  were  great  indeed.  At 
Duck  Creek  we  had  a  good  season. 

Saturday,  16.  Doctor  Coke  preached  in  Wilmington. 

Sunday,  17.  The  Doctor  preached  at  Chester;  and  in 
Philadelphia  in  the  evening. 

Wednesday,  20.  In  the  evening  the  Lord's  power  came 
down  among  the  people  in  the  city  ;  and  I  hope  to  hear  he  is 
doing  great  things. 

New-Jersey. —  Thursday,  21.  Rode  to  Burlington,  in  Jer- 
sey. In  crossing  the  Delaware  we  encountered  an  uncommon 
storm,  but  were  providentially  brought  safely  over.  We  were 
comfortable  in  our  meeting  ;  but  we  had  a  painful  interview 
and  explanation  with  L.  H.  H.  0,  my  soul,  keep  near  to 
God! 

Friday,  22.  We  rode  to  Trenton ;  and  on  Saturday,  23, 
opened  our  conference  in  great  peace.  We  laboured  for  a 
manifestation  of  the  Lord's  power,  and  it  was  not  altogether 
in  vain. 

Sunday,  24.  We  had  abundance  of  preaching. 

Monday,  25.  We  rode  through  afteavy  rain  to  Elizabeth- 


B2 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.          [June,  1789. 


town,  and  next  day  reached  New- York.  I  was  under  great 
travail  of  soul  for  a  revival  of  religion. 

New-York. — Thursday,  28.  Our  conference  began.  All 
things  were  conducted  in  peace  and  order.  Our  work  opens 
in  New-York  State.  New-England  strctcheth  out  the  hand  to 
our  ministry,  and  I  trust  thousands  will  shortly  feel  its  influ- 
ence. My  soul  shall  praise  the  Lord.  In  the  midst  of  haste 
I  find  peace  within. 

Sunday,  31.  We  had  a  gracious  season  to  preachers  and 
people,  while  I  opened  and  applied  Isaiah  xxv,  6-8  :  "  And 
in  this  mountain  shall  the  Lord  of  Hosts  make  unto  all  people 
a  feast  of  fat  things ;  a  feast  of  wines  on  the  lees ;  of  fat 
things  full  of  marrow  ;  of  wines  on  the  lees  well  refined." 

Friday,  June  5.  Doctor  Coke  left  us  and  went  on  board 
the  Union  for  Liverpool.  My  soul  retires  into  solitude,  and 
to  God.  This  evening  I  was  enabled  to  speak  alarmingly, 
and  felt  my  heart  much  engaged  for  about  thirty  minutes  on 
Isaiah  xxix,  17-19.  The  power  of  God,  and  a  baptizing 
flame  came  among  the  people. 

I  have  lately  read  Whiston's  Translation  of  the  Apostolical 
Institutions,  (so  called.)  Also  Cave's  Lives  of  the  Apostles 
and  Fathers. 

Sunday,  7.  Was  a  good  day.  I  felt  inwardly  quickened 
towards  the  close  of  my  morning's  discourse,  and  the  people 
were  moved.  In  the  afternoon  many  were  divinely  drawn, 
and  my  own  soul  was  humbled  and  filled  with  the  love  of 
God.  Several  souls  have  been  stirred  up  this  conference. 
I  trust  the  Lord  will  claim  the  people  of  York  for  his  own. 

Tuesday,  9.  We  left  the  city  of  New- York,  and  came  to 
Kingsbridgc.  After  refreshing  ourselves  and  our  horses,  we 
pushed  on  to  East  Chester.    The  appointment  for  us  was  to 

have  been  made  at  D  's.    There  came  together  about 

two  hundred  people,  among  whom  there  was  a  considerable 
move. 

Wednesday,  10.  My  horse  was  lamed,  (by  fetters,  I  sup- 
pose,) so  that  I  had  to  walk  part  of  the  way  to  New  Rochelle. 
Proper  notice  of  my  coming  not  having  been  given,  I  had  but 


June,  1789.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


58 


one  hundred  and  fifty  hearers.  We  have  a  good  house  here  ; 
a  large  society  ;  and  several  of  the  old  members,  whom  I 
formed  into  a  society  some  years  past,  are  still  alive  to  God. 

Thursday,  11.  My  horse  continues  lame  ; — the  journey  is 
long,  and  the  day  unfavourable — jet  I  must  go. 

I  came  on  to  Crum  Pond,  and  expected  to  have  preached 

at  Oakley's  church,  but  my  appointment  was  made  at  P  % 

where  I  had  but  few.    Returned  to  F  's.    We  had  a 

comfortable  time  at  Oakley's  church  at  seven  o'clock. 

We  rode  four  miles,  and  stopped  at  K  's  for  some  re- 
freshment :  then  hasted  on  to  Peekskill  Hollow,  where  I  found 
a  poor,  simple-hearted  people,  to  whom  I  enforced,  "  Repent, 
and  be  converted,  that  your  sins  may  be  blotted  out ;"  there 
was  a  power  attended  the  word.  We  rode  about  twenty 
miles  to  brother  Jackson's,  where  brother  Cook  lay  sick :  we 
had  heard  that  he  was  dead.  I  laboured  under  violent  temp- 
tation ;  vast  consolation  followed.  Glory !  Glory  to  God ! 
He  bears  me  up,  body  and  soul.  In  our  way  we  stepped 
into  a  house,  exhorted  and  prayed  with  the  mother  and 
daughter,  who  appeared  thankful  for  our  services. 

Sunday,  14.  Preached  at  Jackson's,  in  Dutchess  county, 
to  a  considerable  number  of  quiet  hearers  ;  I  hope  not  in  vain. 
Brother  Cook  is  low  in  body ;  but  his  soul  is  solidly  happy 
in  God,  who  will  be  glorified  in  his  life  or  death.  The  people 
here  are  a  still  kind  of  folks ;  but  God  can  work  in  a  storm 
or  a  calm. 

Monday,  15.  We  rode  about  twenty  miles  to  Dover:  the 
settlers  in  this  neighbourhood  are  mostly  Low  Dutch.  It  is 
a  day  of  small  things  with  us  ;  yet  I  trust  there  are  a  few  feel- 
ing souls.  We  had  very  alarming  meetings  at  noon  and  at 
night.  Thence  to  Oblongs,  where  I  found  a  dull  people :  I 
cxsrted  myself,  sick  as  I  was ;  and  had  I  been  well,  I  should 

have  made  no  little  noise.    After  meeting  we  rode  to   , 

where  an  Antinomian  came,  drunk  as  he  was,  to  tell  his  ex- 
perience :  he  gabbled  strangely  until  I  stopped  his  mouth  ; 

he  then  left  us.    Rode  to  L  s,  and  preached  on,  "  Seek 

ye  first  the  kingdom  of  God,"  <kc. ;  the  people  appeared  like 


54 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [June,  1789. 


rocks.  0  that  the  hammer  and  fire  of  God's  word  and  love 
might  come  down  among  them  ! 

Friday,  19.  I  preached  in  a  bam  on  the  North  River:  my 
hearers  were  chiefly  Low  Dutch.  Our  congregations  arc 
small ;  the  craft  is  in  danger  ;  we  are  therefore  not  to  wonder 
if  we  meet  with  opposition.  To  begin  at  the  right  end  of  the 
work,  is  to  go  first  to  the  poor  ;  these  will,  the  rich  may  pos- 
sibly, hear  the  truth  :  there  are  among  us  who  have  blundered 
here.  I  feel  as  if  I  wanted  to  get  across  the  river ;  I  am 
pressed  in  spirit,  and  pity  our  preachers  who  labour  here ;  it 
seems  as  if  I  should  die  amongst  this  people  with  exertions 
and  grief. 

Sunday,  21.  Preached  at  Latin  Town  to  a  poor,  dull  peo- 
ple ;  some,  however,  appeared  to  be  moved.  At  Allen's  I 
was  more  enlarged,  and  many  wept,  and  felt  the  word.  We 
have  had  a  trying,  warm  day  to  ride  in,  and  preach  twice. 

Monday,  22.  Rain  and  business  prevented  most  of  the  peo- 
ple from  attending  at  Newburg,  except  a  few  Avomen.  I  felt 
moved  while  I  spoke  on  Isaiah  lxiii.  I  hope  the  Lord  will 
water  the  word  sown. 

New  Jersey. —  Thursday,  25.  I  was  sick.  Brother  What- 
coat  gave  them  a  sermon  at  Warwick,  on  the  "  wages  of  sin  ;" 
and  1  gave  them  a  finishing  exhortation :  I  have  no  desire  to 
see  them  again  until  there  is  some  change. 

Friday,  20.  The  power  of  God  came  down  among  the  peo- 
ple at  B.'s,  and  there  was  a  great  melting.  After  meeting 
we  rode  through  the  heat  fifteen  miles  to  Pepper  Cotton. 

Saturday,  27.  Rode  to  the  stone  church  ;  and  found  stony 
hearts.  The  Methodists  ought  to  preach  only  in  their  own 
houses ;  I  have  done  with  the  houses  of  other  people :  bro- 
ther Whatcoat  bore  the  cross,  and  preached  for  me  here. 
When  I  see  the  stupidity  of  the  people,  and  the  contentious- 
ness of  their  spirit,  I  pity  and  grieve  over  them.  I  have  hard 
labour  in  travelling  amongst  the  rocks  and  hills. 

Sunduy,  28.  My  body  is  weak ;  my  spirits  are  low ;  and  I 
am  burdened  under  the  spiritual  death  of  the  people :  yet,  0 
my  soul,  praise  the  Lord  !  I  spoke  a  few  words  with  freedom 


July,  1789.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


55 


at  SweezeyH,  to  insensible  people :  we  then  drove  through 
the  heat  to  Axford's,  where  I  found  life  and  liberty  amongst 
my  hearers. 

Monday,  29.  We  had  a  heavy  ride  to  C.'s,  where  brother 
W.  preached,  while  some  of  the  audience  slept.  Thence  we 
came  to  M'Cullock's.  I  had  no  small  trial  with  A.  C,  who 
was  once  a  preacher  amongst  us  and  disowned.  He  had,  in 
some  instances,  fallen  short  of  his  quarterage  during  his  minis- 
try, and  now  insisted  on  my  paying  him  his  deficiencies :  I 
did  not  conceive  that  in  justice  or  conscience  this  was  required 
of  me ;  nevertheless,  to  get  rid  of  him,  I  gave  him  £14. 

Pennsylvania. —  Wednesday,  July  1.  I  had  a  good  time 
at  Newman's,  near  Hunt's  ferry.  We  crossed  the  ferry  on 
Thursday,  about  six  o'clock,  got  some  refreshment  at  Inkle- 
town,  whence  we  proceeded  to  Climer's,  where  we  had  a 
good  meeting. 

Friday,  3.  Came  to  Philadelphia ;  here  I  found  enough  to 
do.    My  soul  longs  for  more  religion  in  this  city ;  I  am  dis- 
tressed for  these  people :  twenty  years  have  we  been  labour-  | 
ing  in  Pennsylvania,  and  there  are  not  one  thousand  in  society  : 
how  many  of  these  are  truly  converted  God  knows. 

Sunday,  5.  We  had  a  dead  time.  O  that  the  Almighty 
would  bless  and  stir  up  this  people ! 

Rode  to  Randon,  where  there  were  a  few  feeling  souls. 

Tuesday,  1.  It  being  harvest-home,  and  short  notice,  we 
had  few  hearers.  I  love  God  supremely,  and  feel  myself 
greatly  weaned  from  earth  :  I  have  a  glorious  victory ;  sweetly 
resting  and  suffering  in  Christ.  Yesterday  I  felt  so  unwell 
that  1  could  scarcely  sit  on  my  horse.  My  soul  was  so  filled 
with  God,  that  it  appeared  as  if  all  sense  of  pain  was  suspended 
by  the  power  of  faith.  I  was  so  led  out  in  speaking  at  the 
Valley  church,  that  all  my  sufferings  were  forgotten.  I  spoke 
very  loud  a  part  of  the  time ;  we  had  a  gracious  season. 

Wednesday,  8.  After  riding  thirty  miles,  I  preached  at 
Rodfong's  at  night,  with  satisfaction,  and  souls  were  brought 
to  God. 

Friday,  10.  I  called  on  Mr.  H  ,  a  Dutch  Presbyterian 


50 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [JlTLT,  1789. 


minister ;  he  and  his  wife  were  both  very  kind  :  Pbelieve  they 

are  children  of  God.    I  had  an  interview  with  Mr.  M  ,  a 

Lutheran  minister,  and  teacher  of  languages  :  he  is  a  childlike, 
simple-hearted  man,  and  has  a  considerable  knowledge  of  the 
arts  and  sciences.  We  came  to  York ;  but  I  felt  no  desire  to 
preach.  I  proceeded  on  to  Carlisle ;  in  the  morning  I  was 
permitted  to  preach  in  the  church ;  but  in  the  evening,  this 
privilege  was  denied  me  :  it  was  said,  the  reason  was,  because 
I  did  not  read  prayers,  which  I  had  forborne  to  do  because 
of  my  eyes ;  I  apprehend  the  true  cause  might  be  found  in 
the  pointed  manner  in  which  I  spoke  on  "  Blessed  is  he  who- 
soever shall  not  be  offended  in  me."  I  went  to  the  court- 
house and  called  them  to  repentance,  from,  "  Look  unto  me, 
and  be  ye  saved,  all  ye  ends  of  the  earth ;"  to  the  great  of- 
fence of  all  who  set  themselves  up  for  judges,  and  who  de- 
clared it  was  no  preaching. 

Wednesday,  15.  Came  to  Juniata  River;  we  were  well 
nigh  being  lost  in  the  woods,  but  kind  Providence  brought  us 

safe  in  company  with  brother  W          to  I.  C  's,  and  we 

lodged  there. 

Thursday,  16.  Came  to  G  's,  nine  miles  from  Bedford, 

and  being  informed  that  the  people  thereabouts  were  willing 
to  hear,  we  yielded  to  the  persuasion  of  some  who  desired  us 
to  stay  and  preach. 

Friday,  17.  We  rode  on  to  Wells's,  a  place  visited  by  our 
preachers  :  here  we  had  a  good  night's  rest. 

Saturday,  18.  We  passed  Greensburg,  stopping  at  Hanover 
Davis's,  a  man  who  has  had  trouble  and  conviction :  his  three 
sons  were  killed  by  the  Indians,  his  wife  and  two  children 
taken  prisoners,  and  detained  from  him  eighteen  months. 

Sunday,  19.  Came  to  Rowlett's  and  dined  ;  thence  we  set 
out  and  reached  Pittsburg,  twenty-five  miles;  I  preached  in 
the  evening  to  a  serious  audience.  This  is  a  day  of  very  small 
things:  what  can  we  hope?  yet,  what  can  we  fear?  I  felt 
great  love  to  the  people ;  and  hope  God  will  arise  to  help  and 
bless  them. 

Monday,  20.  I  preached  on  Isa.  lv,  6,  7  ;  had  some  zeal, 


July,  1789.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


57 


and  the  people  were  very  attentive ;  but  alas !  they  are  far 
from  God,  and  too  near  the  savages  in  situation  and  manners. 

We  were  not  agreeably  stationed  at  ,  who  was  continually 

drunk,  and  our  only  alternative  was  a  tavern. 

Tuesday,  21.  I  spoke  on  "  The  Son  of  Man  is  come  to  seek 
and  to  save  that  which  was  lost :"  we  were  crowded,  and  I 
felt  more  courage.  The  night  before,  the  rude  soldiers  were 
talking  and  dancing  about  the  door ;  but  now  they  were  quiet 
and  mute  ;  this,  I  judged,  might  be  owing  to  the  interference 
of  the  officers,  or  magistracy. 

Wednesday,  22.  We  left  Pittsburg,  and  came  by  the  Al- 
leghany River  to  Wilson's,  who  was  formerly  an  elder  in  the 
Presbyterian  Church.  Brothers  Green,  Willis,  and  Conway, 
were  my  companions  on  the  road. 

Thursday,  23.  We  had  a  number  of  poor,  attentive  peo- 
ple at  M'G  's  :  the  weather  was  excessively  warm,  and  we 

were  in  a  close  log-house,  without  so  much  as  a  window  to 
give  us  air. 

Saturday,  25.  We  rode  through  a  heavy  rain  to  Yohogany, 
to  brother  Moore's  quarterly  meeting.  We  had  a  shout 
amongst  the  people,  and  I  felt  much  liberty  of  soul  in  speak- 
ing. In  the  love-feast  the  Lord  manifested  his  power;  one 
woman,  in  particular,  was  so  wrought  upon  that  she  fell  to 
the  ground. 

We  came  to  Uniontown,  where  there  appeared  to  be  some 
melting  love  among  the  people.  Now  I  believe  God  is  about 
to  work  in  this  place :  I  expect  our  circuits  are  better  supplied 
than  formerly ;  many  of  the  people  are  alive  to  God ;  and 
there  are  openings  in  many  places.  I  wrote  a  letter  to  Corn- 
planter,  chief  of  the  Seneca  nation  of  Indians.  I  hope  God 
will  shortly  visit  these  outcasts  of  men,  and  send  messengers 
to  publish  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation  amongst  them.  I 
have  constant  consolation,  and  do  not  feel  like  my  former 
self. 

Maryland. — Friday,  31.   I  crossed  the  mountain,  and 

lodged,  I  trust  for  the  last  time,  at  S  's.    Preached  at 

Barratt's,  to  a  dry,  unfaithful  people.    The  number  of  can- 
3* 


58 


ASBUEY'S  JOURNAL.         [Aug.,  1789. 


didates  for  the  ministry  are  many ;  from  which  circumstance 
I  am  led  to  think  the  Lord  is  about  greatly  to  enlarge  the 
borders  of  Zion. 

Monday,  August  3.  Preached  at  Cumberland.  It  is  partly 
fulfilled  ;  none  cared  to  give  us  aught  to  eat.  My  poor  country- 
woman, who  sometimes  heard  and  trembled,  was  absent  this 
time ;  in  her  sickness  she  cried  out,  "  it  is  too  late,"  and  re- 
jected prayer.  It  was  a  time  of  refreshing  at  Old  Town,  in 
Maryland ;  the  Lord  is  among  this  people.  Brother  Willis 
pieached  the  funeral  sermon  of  Mrs.  Sprigg,  a  blooming,  fair 
woman ;  at  her  own  desire  she  was  interred  in  our  burying- 
ground.  She  died  greatly  lamented  by  her  family,  to  whom 
her  death  is  one  loud  call  to  turn  to  God.  I  trust  she  died 
in  peace. 

Virginia. — Friday,  7.  Came  to  Bath.  I  took  lodgings 
with  our  Virginia  friends,  Adams  and  Summers. 

Saturday,  8.  My  soul  has  communion  with  God,  even 
here.  When  I  behold  the  conduct  of  the  people  who  attend 
the  Springs,  particularly  the  gentry,  I  am  led  to  thank  God 
that  I  was  not  born  to  riches ;  I  rather  bless  God,  that  I  am 
not  in  hell,  and  that  I  cannot  partake  of  pleasure  with  sin- 
ners. I  have  read  much,  and  spoken  but  little  since  I  came 
here.  The  water  has  been  powerful  in  its  operation.  I  have 
been  in  great  pain,  and  my  studies  are  interrupted. 

August  19.  I  left  Bath;  which  was  much  sooner  than  I 
expected. 

God  was  powerfully  present  at  Hendrick's,  where  there 
were  twelve  or  fifteen  hundred  people  :  many  professed  to  be 
converted  to  God — Glory  be  to  his  name  !  My  body  enjoys 
better  health  ;  and  blessed  be  God !  my  soul  is  wholly  kept 
above  sin :  yet  I  blame  myself  for  not  being  more  watchful 
unto  prayer ;  and  I  sometimes  use  unnecessary  words.  We 
made  a  tour  through  Berkley  circuit,  where  I  had  some  free- 
dom, and  where  we  found  not  a  little  living  affection  in  the 
congregations. 

Sunday,  23.  We  had  alarming  words  at  Winchester,  from 
Ezek.  xxxiii,  11.    I  feel  the  worth  of  souls,  and  their  disobe- 


Sept.,  1789.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


59 


dience  gives  me  sorrow  of  heart.  0  Jehovah  !  work  for  thine 
own  glory  ! 

Saturday,  29.  Our  quarterly  meeting  began  in  the  woods 
near  Shcpherdstown  :  we  had  about  seven  hundred  people  : 
I  felt  energy  and  life  in  preaching,  and  power  attended  the 
word.  Brother  'Willis  spoke,  and  the  Lord  wrought  power- 
fully. 

Sunday,  30.  Was  a  high  day — one  thousand  or  fifteen 
hundred  people  attended  ;  sinners  began  to  mock,  and  many 
cried  aloud  :  and  so  it  went.  I  was  wonderfully  led  out  on 
Psalm  cxlv,  S-12  ;  and  spoke,  first  and  last,  nearly  three 
hours.    O,  how  the  wicked  contradicted  and  opposed ! 

Maryland. —  Wednesday,  September  2.  I  came  to  brother 
Philips's,  in  Maryland,  and  had  a  quickening  time.  Gcd 
has  preached  to  the  whole  family  by  the  death  of  his  daugh- 
ter, and  the  fire  spreads  throughout  the  whole  neighbour- 
hood. 

We  must  needs  go  through  Samaria.  I  called  at  Frederick- 
town,  and  had  a  number  of  wild,  unfeeling  hearers.  Thence 
to  Liberty,  where  the  Almighty  is  working  among  the  people. 
I  preached  in  the  day,  and  again  at  night — I  hope  not  in 
vain. 

Friday,  4.  I  rode  to  Seneca.  O  what  hath  God  wrought 
for  these  people  !  Many  precious  souls  have  been  brought  to 
the  knowledge  of  salvation. 

Monday,  7.  Preached  at  Rowle's :  here  fifty  or  sixty  souls 
profess  to  have  been  brought  to  God  in  a  few  weeks.  We 
had  a  shout,  and  a  soul  converted  to  God.  I  preached  in  the 
evening  at  Baltimore,  on  "Lord,  increase  our  faith." 

Tuesday,  8.  Preached  in  town  and  at  the  Point.  The  last 
quarterly  meeting  was  a  wonder-working  time :  fifty  or  sixty 
souls,  then  and  there,  appeared  to  be  brought  to  God  ;  people 
were  daily  praying  from  house  to  house ;  some  crying  for 
mercy,  others  rejoicing  in  God,  and  not  a  few,  day  after  day, 
joining  in  society  for  the  benefit  of  a  religious  fellowship. 
Praise  the  Lord,  0  my  soul !  I  spent  some  time  in  visiting 
from  house  to  house,  and  begging  for  the  college.    The  mar- 


CO 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Sept.,  17 89. 


ried  men  and  the  single  men,  the  married  women  and  the  sin- 
gle women,  I  met  apart,  and  was  comforted.  Many  of  the 
children  of  the  Methodists  are  the  happy  subjects  of  this 
glorious  revival.  We  have  more  members  in  Baltimore 
(town  and  Point)  than  in  any  city  or  town  on  the  continent 
besides. 

Sunday,  13.  I  preached  three  times;  baptized,  and  ad- 
ministered the  sacrament  twice ;  and  ordained  A.  F  and 

W.  L  deacons.   I  trust  it  was  a  profitable  time  to  many. 

I  took  cold,  and  was  much  hurt  by  labour,  so  that  I  could 
hardly  move  my  body. 

Monday,  14.  Came  to  Daniel  Evans's,  one  of  our  oldest 
members,  and  his  house  one  of  our  oldest  stands  ;  to  this  day 
he  has  continued  to  be  steadfast.  The  Lord  has  now  made 
bare  his  arm,  and  brought  in  forty  or  fifty  young  people, 
among  whom  are  some  of  his  own  cliildren,  for  whom  so  many 
prayers  have  been  offered  up  to  God :  the  fire  of  the  Lord 
spreads  from  house  to  house,  and  from  heart  to  heart. 

Tuesday,  15.  I  had  but  few  hearers  at  Hunt's  chapel,  but 
the  Lord  was  present,  and  I  am  persuaded  there  was  not  an 
unfeeling  soul  in  the  house.  I  spent  the  evening  with  one 
of  the  great :  the  Lord  and  his  own  conscience  will  witness 
that  I  did  not  flatter  him.  0  that  his  soul  were  converted 
to  God  ! 

Friday,  1 8.  At  G  's  we  had  a  solemn  time  ;  the  power 

of  the  Lord  has  been  displayed  here  to  great  purpose. 

Sunday,  20.  Was  an  alarming  time  at  the  Forks  church — 
a  number  of  serious  people — no  trifling  here  now  :  how  many 
dead  souls  restored  from  a  backsliding  state  !  and  their  chil- 
dren converted  too ! 

Monday,  21.  Rode  in  the  evening  to  Cokesbury.  I  found 
I.  Steward  had  gone  to  his  final  rest :  he  was  a  pious  lad 
who  kept  too  close  to  his  studies.  He  praised  <><>d  to  the 
last,  even  when  he  was  delirious  :  it  made  the  students  very 
solemn  for  a  season. 

Sunday,  27.  Preached  at  Gunpowder  chapel  in  the  fore- 
noon, and  at  Abingdon  at  three  o'clock. 


Oct.,  1789.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


S3 


Monday,  28.  After  a  long  absence  I  preached  at  Bush 
Forest  chapel :  this  was  one  of  the  first  houses  that  was  built 
for  the  Methodists  in  the  State  of  Maryland  ;  and  one  of  the 
first  societies  was  formed  here.  They  had  been  dead  for 
many  years  ;  of  late  the  Lord  has  visited  this  neighbourhood, 
and  I  suppose,  from  report,  fifty  souls  have  been  converted 
to  God. 

I  preached  at  Havre  de  Grace  with  Divine  illumination  and 

authority.    Thence  I  went  to   ;  I  was  hardly  welcome 

— perhaps  I  wrong  him  ;  I  shall  know  when  I  call  again. 
Called  at  I.  and  S.  Hersey's,  and  found  the  Lord  had  not 
departed  from  these  houses  ;  I  hope  their  children  will  all 
come  to  God. 

Wednesday,  30.  At  Wilmington  I  was  warm  in  spirit. 
Thence  I  rode  to  Philadelphia ;  where  I  gave  a  short  dis- 
course on  another  man's  appointment ;  my  subject — Jacob's 
wrestling  with  God.  On  Friday  night  I  spoke  on,  "  Who 
may  abide  the. day  of  his  coming  ?" 

Sunday,  October  4.  We  were  not  without  the  presence  of 
the  Lord  at  our  love-feast  and  sacrament  this  day.  Brother 
Willis  spoke  feelingly  in  the  afternoon. 

Monday,  5.  We  had  a  meeting  of  the  principal  members, 
in  order  to  consult  about  the  incorporation  of  our  church. 
•  New-Jeksey. — Tuesday,  6.  After  twenty  years'  preaching, 
they  have  built  a  very  beautiful  meeting-house  at  Burlington  ; 
but  it  is  low  times  there  in  religion.  At  New-Mills,  both 
preachers  and  people  appeared  to  feel,  and  the  watch-night 
was  attended  with  some  breathings  after  God. 

Thursday,  8.  We  had  a  poor,  dry  meeting,  at  Mount-Holly  : 
some  were  alarmed  with  fear,  lest  we  should  make  a  noise  as 
we  had  done  in  Philadelphia  ;  some  dear  country  friends  felt 
the  Lord  powerfully,  and  carried  home  the  flame. 

Friday,  9.  I  felt  inward  strength  at  Bethel,  on  Isa.  Ixiii,  12. 
The  power  was  present,  but  there  is  not  as  much  religion 
amongst  them  as  formerly. 

Saturday,  10.  My  ride  to  Bethel  was  thirty  miles,  and 
thirty  miles  more  brought  me  to  Deerfield ;  I  spoke  very 


G2 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1789. 


alarmingly,  and  to  little  purpose,  at  the  Methodistico-Presby- 
terian  church. 

Sunday,  11.  At  the  Glass-House  I  felt  myself,  and  the 
Lord  made  others  feel — to  purpose,  I  hope.  Thence  to  Salem, 
at  three  o'clock  :  it  was  levelling  work,  storm  and  thunder, 
whilst  I  opened  and  applied  Isaiah  xxx,  20,  21. 

Monday,  12.  I  returned  to  Philadelphia,  where  there  were 
five  criminals  hanged  ;  one  of  them  professed  conversion. 

Tuesday,  13.  Was  the  day  of  election  for  representatives  ; 
preaching  in  the  evening  was  to  little  purpose,  on,  "  Arm  of 
the  Lord,  awake."    "  0  Lord  of  life  !  when  shall  it  be  ?" 

Delaware. — I  preached  at  Wilmington,  on  the  dedication 
of  our  new  chapel :  thus  far  are  we  come  after  more  than 
twenty  years'  labour  in  this  place. 

Thursday,  15.  I  preached  at  Dickinson's.  Here  we  have 
a  good  house  built ;  and  a  blessed  foundation  of  living  stones 
fixed  on  the  chief  corner-stone.  After  preaching  at  Severson's 
and  Duck-Creek  Cross-Roads,  Ave  came  on  Saturday  to  Dover 
quarterly  meeting ;  here  the  congregation  was  large  and 
serious. 

Sunday,  18.  Preached  on,  "  The  Lord  whom  ye  seek  shall 
suddenly  come  to  his  temple."  Ordained  W.  I.  and  I.  B. 
elders.  We  have  had  encouraging  intelligence  of  an  opening 
in  New-England  :  we  shall  send  Jacob  Brush  to  assist  Jesse 
Lee,  who  has  been  some  time  visiting  those  parts. 

Reached  Judge  White's  in  the  evening,  and  rested  there  on 
Monday. 

Tuesday,  20.  Rode  to  Millfoid  ;  where  we  had  a  great 
move  and  noble  shouting.  I  felt  myself  very  unwell.  We 
had  a  very  comfortable  love-feast  next  morning.  1  was  taken 
with  a  sore  throat,  and  brother  Whatcoat  supplied  my  lack 
of  service.  I  was  laid  up  four  days  ;  a  violent  headache  and 
fever  attended  the  inflammation  in  my  throat,  with  little  or 
no  perspiration.  I  made  use  of  flaxseed-tea,  and  a  very  great 
expectoration  followed. 

Wednesday,  28.  I  came  to  Lowry's,  at  the  head  of  Nan- 
ticoke.    1  still  feel  much  pain,  with  a  fever  and  hoarseness. 


Nov.,  1789.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


G3 


I  must  take  blame  to  myself  for  riding  sometimes  in  the 
night  and  cold  evenings  without  an  upper  coat :  I  am  grow- 
ing old  ;  and  I  live  much  in  southern  climes.    I  lodged  at 

brother  H  's,  who  was  ill  with  a  bilious  and  nervous 

complaint. 

Thursday,  29.  Came  to  W  ,  and  was  kindly  enter- 
tained. 

Friday,  30.  We  rode  in  the  rain — it  was  almost  enough  to 
kill  healthy  men.  After  steeping  our  feet  in  warm  water, 
we  came  to  brother  Downing's.  Next  day  we  rode  twenty- 
eight  miles  to  Paramour's.  My  rest  being  interrupted,  I 
rose  early,  and  rode  through  the  cold  to  the  love-feast,  where 
we  had  great  shouting. 

Although  very  weak  in  body,  I  rode  thirty  miles  ;  a  dish 
of  tea,  and  a  biscuit  and  a  half,  was  all  my  food  till  six  o'clock 
in  the  evening. 

Monday,  November  2.  I  rode  forty  miles  to  Magotty  Bay, 
and  preached  to  a  few  people.  The  Antinomians  please 
them  and  gain  them — alas !  for  us.  0,  that  the  Lord  would 
send  an  earthquake  of  his  power  among  them  ! 

Tuesday,  3.  We  had  an  open  time  at  brother  J  's. 

The  school  for  the  charity  boys  much  occupies  my  mind. 
Our  annual  expenditure  will  amount  to  two  hundred  pounds, 
and  the  aid  we  get  is  but  trifling.  The  poverty  of  the  people, 
and  the  general  scarcity  of  money,  is  the  great  source  of  our 
difficulties.  The  support  of  our  preachers,  who  have  families, 
absorbs  our  collections,  so  that  neither  do  our  elders  nor  the 
clarity  school  get  much.  We  have  the  poor,  but  they  have 
no  monev  ;  and  the  worldly,  wicked  rich  we  do  not  choose 
to  ask. 

I  have  ridden  about  one  hundred  miles  from  Sunday  morn- 
ing till  Tuesday  night ;  at  the  same  time  very  unwell  with  a 
cold  and  influenza,  which  spreads  in  almost  every  family. 

Wednesday,  4.  We  had  many  people  at  Accomack  court- 
house, and  power  attended  the  word  whilst  brothers  E.  and 
W.  spoke. 

Thursday  and  Friday,  5,  G.  We  held  quarterly  meeting 


64 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Nov.,  1789. 


at  Downings.  The  first  day  the  Lord  was  powerfully  present, 
and  the  people  were  greatly  agitated.  On  the  second  day  at 
the  love-feast  and  sacrament  there  was  a  shout,  and  I  believe 
two  hundred  souls  praised  God  at  one  time.  My  soul  was 
happy  among  them. 

Maryland. — Saturday,  7.  At  Annamessex  quarterly 
meeting  the  Lord  was  amongst  the  people  on  the  first  day. 
On  Sunday,  at  the  love-feast,  the  young  were  greatly  filled, 
and  the  power  of  the  Most  High  spread  throughout.  It 
appeared  as  if  they  would  have  continued  till  night  if  they 
had  not  been  in  some  measure  forced  to  stop  that  we  might 
have  public  worship.'  I  stood  near  the  window,  and  spoke 
on  Isaiah  lxiv,  1-5.  There  was  a  stir,  and  several  sinners 
went  away.  There  were  very  uncommon  circumstances  of  a 
supernatural  kind  said  to  be  observed  at  this  meeting.  The 
saints  of  the  world  are  dreadfully  displeased  at  this  work ; 
which,  after  all,  is  the  best  evidence  that  it  is  of  God. 

The  preachers  urged  me  to  preach  at  Princess  Anne.  I 
did  so,  and  many  poor,  afflicted  people  came  out.  I  trust 
some  will  be  able  to  say  of  Christ,  "  He  is  altogether 
lovely  !" 

I  felt  uncommon  power  in  preaching  at  Thomas  Garrett- 
son's.    Surely  the  Lord  will  work. 

At  the  quarterly  meeting  I  did  not  speak  the  first  day. 
The  second,  I  preached  on  Rom.  x,  14,  15.  There  was  a 
little  stir  ;  yet  this  is  said  to  be  the  dullest,  or  one  of  the 
dullest  places  in  the  peninsula. 

Thursday,  12,  was  a  warm  day,  and  we  had  a  heavy  ride 
to  the  Line  chapel.  There  were  but  few  hearers,  owing  to 
the  great  affliction  that  prevails.  The  influenza,  and  other 
complaints,  cany  off  many  people ;  and  it  is  an  awful 
time. 

F rid uy,  13.  Came  to  Broad-Creek  chapel,  where  some  of 
the  wicked  had  broken  the  windows.  There  had  been  a  stir 
at  the  quarterly  meeting,  and  a  testimony  borne  against  their 
revellings,  and  it  was  judged,  that  on  this  account  the  injury 
was  committed  on  the  house.     My  throat  was  sore,  and  my 


Nov.,  1789.] 


ASBURT'S  JOURNAL. 


65 


testimony  feeble  on  2  Cor.  vi,  1.  I  rode  to  the  head  of 
Nanticoke,  where  brother  Whatcoat  preached  a  warm 
sermon. 

Saturday,  14.  Preached  at  Brown's  chapel :  the  general 
affliction  hindered  man}-  from  attending  ;  but  we  were  happy 
together,  and  it  was  a  strengthening,  confirming  time  to  many 
tried  souls. 

Sunday,  15.  The  people  were  shouting  the  praises  of  God 
when  I  came.  After  the  noise  and  fervour  had  subsided,  I 
preached  on  the  men  of  Nineveh's  repenting  at  the  preach- 
ing of  Jonah ;  and  the  word  sunk  into  some  hearts. 

Monday,  16.  We  had  a  noble  shout,  and  the  people  re- 
joiced in  the  Lord. 

Friday,  20.  Being  the  day  of  our  quarterly-meeting  fast, 
we  strove  to  keep  it  as  well  as  our  feeble  bodies  would 
admit. 

Saturday  and  Sunday,  21,  22.  There  was  a  shaking 
among  the  people  :  some  were  alarmed ;  some  professed  to 
be  justified,  and  others  sanctified  ;  whilst  the  wicked  brought 
with  them  much  of  the  power  of  Satan.  I  received  some 
relief  for  my  poor  orphans.  For  some  days  past  I  have 
been  kept  in  an  humble,  living,  holy,  conquering  frame. 

Monday,  23.  Although  the  north-west  wind  blew  very 
strong,  we  crossed  Choptank  River,  and  came  to  Boling- 
broke.  Here  we  had  loud  shouts  and  living  testimonies 
from  many  of  our  oldest  members,  whilst  some  of  our  gay 
young  Methodists  were  mute.  Being  a  day  of  public  thanks- 
giving, I  rode  to  Wye,  where  there  is  a  good  new  chapel. 
The  rain  hindered,  so  that  we  had  but  few  hearers.  Came 
through  the  rain  to  Tuckahoe. 

Friday,  27.  There  was  a  good  move  at  Choptank  Bridge. 
I  ordained  five  persons  to  the  office  of  deacons. 

Saturday,  28.  Preached  with  some  freedom  at  Dover. 

Sunday,  29.  I  preached  at  Duck  Creek.  Stopped,  and 
gave  them  a  discourse  at  Middletown  ;  and  spent  the  even- 
ing with  a  worthy,  kind  friend.  A  number  of  dear  old 
brethren  accompanied  me  to  Cokesbury,  where  we  had  an 


GO 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Dec,  1789. 


examination  of  the  boys,  and  stationed  eleven  on  charity. 
Thence  we  hastened  on  to  Baltimore. 

Thursday,  December  3.  Our  council  was  seated,  consisting 
of  the  following  persons,  viz.:  Richard  Ivey,  from  Georgia; 
R.  Ellis,  South  Carolina ;  E.  Morris,  North  Carolina  ;  Phil. 
Bruce,  North  district  of  Virginia  ;  James  O'Kelly,  South  dis- 
trict of  Virginia ;  L.  Green,  Ohio  ;  Nelson  Reid,  Western 
Shore  of  Maryland ;  J.  Everett,  Eastern  Shore  ;  John  Dick- 
ens, Pennsylvania  ;  J?  0.  Cromwell,  Jersey  ;  and  Freeborn 
Garrettson,  New- York.  All  our  business  was  done  in  love 
and  unanimity.  The  concerns  of  the  college  were  well  at- 
tended to,  as  also  the  printing  business.  We  formed  some 
resolutions  relative  to  economy  and  union,  and  others  con- 
cerning the  funds  for  the  relief  of  our  suffering  preachers  on 
the  frontiers.  We  rose  on  the  eve  of  Wednesday  following. 
During  our  sitting  we  had  preaching  every  night ;  some  few 
souls  were  stirred  up,  and  others  converted.  The  pmdmce 
of  some  had  stilled  the  noisy  ardour  of  our  young  people ; 
and  it  was  difficult  to  rekindle  the  fire.  I  collected  about 
twenty-eight  pounds  for  the  poor  suffering  preachers  in  the 
West.  We  spent  one  day  in  speaking  our  own  experiences, 
and  giving  an  account  of  the  progress  and  state;  of  the  work 
of  God  in  our  several  districts  ;  a  spirit  of  union  pervades 
the  whole  body,  producing  blessed  effects  and  fruits. 

Thursday,  10.  This  and  the  two  following  days  were  spent 
in  writing,  and  other  necessary  business.  I  also  preached  at 
town  and  Point. 

Sunday,  13.  I  delivered  some  alarming  truths  at  our  meet- 
ing-house with  some  life.  I  preached  at  the  German  church 
in  the  afternoon  ;  and  in  the  evening  I  spoke  on,  "  The  men 
of  Nineveh  shall  rise  up  in  judgment  against  the  men  of  this 
generation,  and  condemn  it,"  <fec. 

Monday,  14.  To  my  comfort  I  found  one  of  Thomas 
Cromwell's  children  under  deep  distress.  When  I  formerly 
frequented  the  house  she  was  a  child. 

Came  on  to  Annapolis,  and  found  the  work  Father 
dead. 


Dec,  1789.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


07 


Tuesday,  15.  I  preached  with  more  liberty  than  the  even- 
ing before. 

Wednesday,  16.  Set  out  for  Herring  Bay.  It  rained,  and 
our  ride  was  heavy.  I  lodged  with  William  Weems,  once  a 
great  zealot  for  the  Old  Church. 

Thursday,  17.  We  rode  to  Childs's — it  was  an  awfully 
stormy,  rainy  day,  and  we  had  no  meeting.  The  Lord  has 
made  bare  his  arm  since  my  last  visit  here,  and  souls  have 
been  converted  and  sanctified. 

Friday,  18.  Rode  to  Gray's.  Here  also  the  Lord  hath 
wrought  powerfully  amongst  the  children. 

Virginia. — Saturday,  19.  Rode  through  Charles  county 
to  Hoe's  ferry.  Death !  death !  We  had  prayer  at  our 
lodgings.    Mr.  H.  treated  us  very  kindly. 

Sabbath  morning,  20.  I  read  part  of  the  thirty-third  chap- 
ter of  Ezekiel's  prophecy,  and  gave  an  exhortation.  We  then 
rode  twenty- five  miles  through  the  snow  to  Pope's,  where  I 
spoke  with  some  liberty.    We  found  ourselves  not  at  home, 

so  we  went  to  our  friend  S  's.    My  spirit  has  been 

wounded  not  a  little.  I  know  not  which  to  pity  most — the 
slaves  or  their  masters.  Thence  we  went  on  to  the  widow 
Hutt's.  I  am  ill,  and  have  little  to  do,  which  makes  me 
worse. 

On  Christmas  eve  I  made  a  visit  to  counsellor  Carter ;  a 
very  social  gentleman,  a  Baptist.    After  preaching  we  had 

fifteen  miles  to  ride  to  sister  W  's  ;  and  twenty  miles  the 

next  morning  to  Lancaster  quarterly  meeting. 

Sunday,  27.  Feeling  myself  unwell,  brother  Whatcoat 
preached  ;  and  our  public  and  society  meeting  occupied  six 
hours  and  a  half.  Notwithstanding  the  rain,  we  had  many 
to  hear,  both  white  and  black.  I  was  very  sensible  that  the 
work  of  grace  was  deepened  in  the  souls  of  the  people  : 
several  spoke  of  the  pure  love  of  God. 

Monday,  28.  I  felt  much  enlarged  in  spirit.  It  seemed  to 
me  as  if  the  Lord  was  only  beginning  to  work  ;  but  the  Anti- 
nomians  oppose.  Nevertheless,  I  have  growing  hopes  that 
the  glory  of  Zion  will  shortly  appear. 


08 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Jan.,  1790. 


Tuesday,  29.  After  waiting  at  the  ferry  about  four  hours, 
we  made  an  attempt  to  cross  in  an  old  boat,  with  tattered 
sails,  which  gave  way  near  the  middle  of  the  river  :  through 
mercy  we  got  safe  over.  Thence  directing  our  course  to 
Turks-Ferry,  a  poor  old  negro  made  out  to  get  us  across  in  a 
little  flat :  about  eight  o'clock  we  arrived  safely  at  sister 

D  's,  where  we  found  three  of  the  preachers  waiting  for 

us,  preaching  having  been  appointed  for  the  morrow.  We 
had  the  presence  of  God  with  us  in  the  meeting,  and  at  the 
sacrament. 

Thursday,  31.  We  had  a  few  attentive  people  at  brother 
Bellamy's.  0  Gloucester !  Gloucester  !  when  will  it  be  famous 
for  religion  ?  Finding  my  appointments  not  made,  we  crossed 
York  River,  and  came  once  more  to  my  dear  old  friend  Wel- 
den's.    I  was  much  indisposed. 

January  1,  1790.  No  appointment  for  preaching.  We  are 
bound  to  the  South,  and  shall  proceed  on  as  fast  as  we  can. 

Saturday,  2.  We  were  refreshed  in  the  evening.  Next 
day  (Sabbath)  I  preached  at  Chickahominy  church  once  more  : 
sinners,  Pharisees,  backsliders,  hypocrites,  and  believers,  were 
faithfully  warned  ;  and  of  all  these  characters  there  were, 
doubtless,  a  goodly  number  in  the  large  congregation  which 
attended.  Brother  Bruce  went  to  Brown's,  and  brother  W. 
and  myself  to  Welden's ;  at  both  these  places  the  Lord  was 
powerfully  present  in  our  meetings. 

Monday,  4.  We  crossed  James  River,  with  a  fresh  wind 
ahead,  and  only  two  poor  blacks,  where  four  ferrymen  arc 
necessary.  Two  brigs  under  sail  came  down  full  upon  us, 
and  we  had  hard  work  to  get  out  of  their  way.  These  large 
ferries  are  dangerous  and  expensive  :  our  ferriages  alone  have 
cost  us  £3  since  we  left  Annapolis. 

Tuesday,  5.  Rested,  and  next  day  preached  at  brother 
Moring's :  1  felt  some  power  among  the  people  ;  but  the  glory 
is  measurably  departed ;  the  imprudent  haste  of  the  young 
people  to  marry  unbelievers,  and  divisions  excited  by  other 
causes,  have  done  much  injury. 

Thursday,  7.  Was  an  ameliorating  time  at  Ellis's  church. 


Jan.,  1790.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


69 


The  next  day,  at  Lane's,  I  had  many  people,  although  it 
rained  ;  I  felt  comfortable  in  speaking  to  them. 

Saturday,  9.  Was  a  cold  time  in  a  cold  house  at  brother 

M  's.    I  felt  unwell,  and  much  dejected  at  the  situation 

of  the  people,  whom  I  found  divided  about  the  merits  of  a 
certain  character,  once  a  preacher  among  the  Methodists,  but 
now  disowned,  and  striving  to  make  a  party ;  this  man,  and 
the  disputes  for  and  against  slavery,  have  been  hurtful. 

Sunday,  10.  Came  to  Jones's  church,  and  was  much  lifted 
up  in  spirit. 

Monday,  11.  I  had  many  to  hear  at  Mabry's. 

Tuesday,  12.  From  Mabry's  we  came  to  Brunswick  quar- 
terly meeting,  where  there  was  a  considerable  quickening,  and 
manifestation  of  the  Lord's  power.  We  had  a  good  meeting 
at  Roanoak  chapel ;  I  rejoiced  that  the  society  had  increased 
to  more  than  a  hundred  souls. 

I  received  a  letter  from  the  presiding  elder  of  this  district, 
James  O'Kclly :  he  makes  heavy  complaints  of  my  power, 
and  bids  me  stop  for  one  year,  or  he  must  use  his  influence 
against  me.  Power !  power !  there  is  not  a  vote  given  in  a 
conference  in  which  the  presiding  elder  has  not  greatly  the 
advantage  of  me ;  all  the  influence  I  am  to  gain  over  a  com- 
pany of  young  men  in  a  district  must  be  done  in  three  weeks  ; 
the  greater  part  of  them,  perhaps,  are  seen  by  me  only  at 
conference,  whilst  the  presiding  older  has  had  them  with  him 
all  the  year,  and  has  the  greatest  opportunity  of  gaining  influ- 
ence ;  this  advantage  may  be  abused  ;  let  the  bishops  look  to 
it :  but  who  has  the  power  to  lay  an  embargo  on  me,  and  to 
make  of  none  effect  the  decision  of  all  the  conferences  of  the 
union  ? 

North  Carolina. — Friday,  15.  Crossed  Roanoke,  and 
was  met  by  several  preachers  at  sister  Pegram's,  where  the 
Lord  was  with  us. 

Saturday,  16.  I  had  a  long  ride  to  R.  Jones's  :  we  had  a 
good  season  at  the  sacrament ;  several  spoke  powerfully  of 
the  justifying  and  sanctifying  grace  of  God.  A  hundred 
souls  have  been  brought  to  God  :  thus  the  barren  wilder- 


70 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Jan.,  1790. 


ness  begins  to  smile.  I  found  it  a  time  to  speak  from  Isaiah 
lii,  1. 

We  had  to  ride  sixteen  miles  ;  and  here,  0  what  my  spirit 
felt !  It  is  a  day  of  very  small  and  feeble  things,  and  but  little 
union  among  the  people.  I  found  it  needful  to  enforce  that 
prayer :  "  0  Lord,  revive  thy  work!"  One  poor  black  feu 
to  the  ground  and  praised  God. 

Tuesday,  19.  I  had  some  freedom  in  preaching  at  B  's  ; 

but  I  fear  there  is  too  much  vanity  and  Antinomian  Leaven 
amongst  them  to  permit  much  good  to  be  done. 

Rode  to  Tomlinson's  ;  but  here  they  made  no  appoint- 
ment. At  Merritt's  chapel,  on  New-Hope  Creek,  Chatham 
county,  I  enforced,  "  How  shall  I  give  thee  up,  Ephraim  ?" 
— there  was  some  feeling  among  them  ;  but  they  arc  not  a 
united  people. 

Thursday,  21.  I  rode  to  the  widow  Snipe's,  twenty  miles, 
and  preached  on  Isaiah  xlv,  22  ;  then  crossed  Haw  River,  and 

came  to  M  's,  about  two  hours  in  the  night,  where  I  found 

a  congregation  waiting,  to  whom  I  spoke  on,  "I  am  not 
ashamed  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ,"  &c. ;  the  people  were  tender. 

Friday,  22.  Came  to  Rainey's,  in  Orange  county,  to  a  quar- 
terly meeting,  where  seven  of  our  preachers  met  together : 
the  first  day  the  people  were  dull ;  the  second,  our  congrega- 
tion was  large;  my  subject  was,  "We  will  give  ourselves  to 
prayer  and  the  ministry  of  the  word."  I  ordained  Thomas 
Anderson  to  the  office  of  an  elder.  We  rode  through  a  heavy 
rain  sixteen  miles  to  our  friend  Burr's ;  here  they  have  built 
us  a  complete  house  of  the  heart  of  oak.  Proceeded  twelve 
miles  to  Rocky  River,  and  preached  at  M'Master'a  chapel  ; 
afterward  we  had  a  night  meeting,  and  upon  the  whole  I  be- 
lieve we  were  speaking  about  four  hours,  besides  nearly  two 

spent  in  prayer.    We  came  to  our  friend  K  's,  and  were 

kindly  entertained.  Thence  we  went  to  Mr.  Bell's,  on  Deep 
River,  and  were  received  in  the  kindest  manner;  before  I  left 
the  liuuse,  I  felt  persuaded  that  that  family  would  come  to 
experience  the  power  of  religion. 

Tuesday,  26.  We  had  to  make  our  way  through  a  dreary 


Feb.,  1790.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


71 


path,  and  rode  about  fifty  miles :  we  were  favoured  by  only 
getting  a  sprinkling  of  rain,  which  became  very  heavy  after 

we  were  housed  at  Thomas  C  's,  about  eleven  o'clock. 

Rode  to  Doctor  King's,  twenty-five  miles,  and  performed  the 

funeral  rites  of  Captain  C  ,  who  was  sick  when  I  was  here 

last  year.  I  then  prayed  for  him,  and  felt  as  if  his  sickness 
was  unto  death :  now,  I  preached  his  funeral  sermon ;  my 
text  was,  "  It  is  appointed  unto  men  once  to  die,"  &c.  I  felt 
some  enlargement  in  speaking,  and  a  few  people  appeared  to 
be  moved. 

I  have  read  an  account  of  the  wonderful  revolution  in 
France  ;  may  the  good  of  Protestantism  and  the  glory  of  God 
be  advanced  by  it ! 

Since  we  crossed  Roanoke  River,  we  have  passed  through 
Warren,  Granville,  Wake,  Chatham,  Orange,  Randolph,  and 
Richmond  counties,  in  North  Carolina, 

After  passing  Hedge  Cock  creek,  I  preached  at  Night's 
chapel,  on,  "  My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee  :"  there  was  some 
quickening,  and  I  was  blest.  It  is  no  small  exercise  to  ride 
twenty  miles,  or  more,  as  we  frequently  do,  before  twelve 
o'clock  ;  taking  all  kinds  of  food,  and  lodging,  and  weather  too, 
as  it  comes,  whether  it  be  good  or  bad. 

I  saw  the  hand  of  the  Lord  in  preserving  my  life  and  limbs 
when  my  horse  made  an  uncommon  start  and  sprung  some 
yards  with  me ;  it  was  with  difficulty  I  kept  the  saddle. 

South  Carolina. — We  had  a  severe  day's  ride  ;  and  called 
at  the  Beauty  Spot :  the  beauty  here  has  somewhat  faded ; 
the  society  is  disjointed,  and  in  a  poor  state.  We  made  it  a 
fifty  miles'  ride,  or  thereabouts,  to  Pryor's. 

Sunday,  31.  There  were  some  signs  of  remaining  life  seen 
under  preaching,  and  a  little  spirit  and  feeling  in  the  love- 
feast.  I  felt  great  enlargement  on,  "  How  shall  I  give  thee 
up,  Ephraim  ?"  &c.    I  found  it  heavy  work. 

Monday,  February  1.  Brother  W.  preached  at  the  Grove; 
I.  E.  and  myself  spoke  after  him,  and  there  were  gracious 
signs  of  tenderness  among  the  people.  An  elderly  Baptist 
preacher  attended,  whose  heart  the  Lord  touched,  and  he  ac- 


72 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Feb.,  1790. 


knowledged  the  power  of  the  Most  High  to  be  present.  We 

lodged  at  old  friend  J  's,  having  ridden  twenty-five  miles  ; 

we  were  weary  and  hungry,  having  breakfasted  on  tea  at  eight 
o'clock,  and  taken  nothing  more  till  six  o'clock  at  night.  Lord, 
help  me  to  bear  all  things  without  murmuring  or  disputing ! 

At  Flowcrs's  there  was  a  living  stir :  one  soul  found  peace  ; 
and  I  had  freedom  in  preaching. 

After  riding  fifteen  miles  to  Sweet's  meeting-house,  on  a 
cold  day,  we  had  about  a  dozen  people :  of  these  few,  some 
were  drunk,  and  began  to  laugh  and  trifle  round  the  house. 
After  three  exhortations  and  prayers,  Ave  came  to  Port's  ferry, 
and  had  to  cross  in  the  night,  and  wade  the  low  places. 

Came  to  sister  ,  and  had  a  comfortable  table  spread 

before  us,  which,  to  us,  who  had  ridden  thirty  miles  through 
heavy  rain,  without  eating  or  drinking,  was  almost  necessary. 
I  think  our  kind  hostess  has  several  of  the  marks  St.  Paul 
gives  of  a  widow  indeed. 

I  have  lately  read  Thomson's  Seasons,  containing  upwards 
of  two  hundred  pages.  I  find  a  little  wheat  and  a  great  deal 
of  chaff :  I  have  read  great  authors,  so  called,  and  wondered 
where  they  found  their  finery  of  words  and  phrases  ;  much  of 
this  might  be  pilfered  from  the  "  Seasons,"  without  injury  to 
the  real  merit  of  the  work ;  and  doubtless  it  has  been  plucked 
by  literary  robbers  ;  and  my  wonder  may  cease. 

My  own  soul  has  peace  ;  but  I  feel  a  death  amongst  the 
people.  I  hope  the  Lord  will  come  and  visit  them  in  power ; 
if  they  do  not  turn  to  God,  I  expect  they  will  be  cut  off,  and 
that  soon. 

Saturday,  6.  Rode  to  Georgetown ;  and  on  the  Sabbath, 

brother  W          preached  on,  "In  all  places  where  I  record 

my  name,  I  will  come  in  to  thee,  and  I  will  bless  thee." 

Monday,  8.  I  gave  them  a  close  and  serious  address  on 
lightly  dividing  the  word  of  truth. 

Tuesday,  9.  Came  to  Wapataw,  and  preached  on  1  John 
iv,  16,  17. 

Wednesday,  10.  Came  to  Charleston.  Here  I  received 
good  news  from  Baltimore  and  New- York :  about  two  hun- 


Feb.,  1790.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


13 


dred  souls  have  been  brought  to  God  within  a  few  weeks.  I 
have  been  closely  occupied  in  writing  to  Europe  and  to  differ- 
ent parts  of  this  continent.  We  feel  a  little  quickening  here  : 
brother  What  coat  preaches  every  night. 

Saturday,  13.  The  preachers  are  coming  in  to  the  confe- 
rence. I  have  felt  fresh  springs  of  desire  in  my  soul  for  a 
revival  of  religion.  0  may  the  work  be  general !  It  is  a 
happy  thing  to  be  united  as  is  our  society.  The  happy  news 
of  the  revival  of  the  work  of  God  flies  from  one  part  of  the 
continent  to  the  other,  and  all  partake  of  the  joy. 

Sunday,  14.  I  preached  twice.  Next  day  (Monday)  our 
conference  began.  Our  business  was  conducted  in  great 
peace  and  love.  The  business  of  the  council  came  before  us; 
and  it  was  determined  that  the  concerns  of  the  college,  and 
the  printing,  should  be  left  with  the  council  to  act  decisively 
upon  ;  but  that  no  new  canons  should  be  made,  nor  the  old 
altered,  without  the  consent  of  the  conference ;  and  that 
whatever  was  done  on  this  head,  shoidd  come  in  the  shape 
of  advice  only.  We  had  some  quickening  seasons,  and 
living  meetings.  Several  young  people  come  under  awak- 
enings. 

Wednesday,  17.  I  preached  on,  "  If  thou  take  forth  the 
precious  from  the  vile,  thou  shalt  be  as  my  mouth."  It  was 
a  searching  season :  several  spoke  and  prayed  ;  and  we  had 
noise  enough.  The  evening  before  an  extract  of  sundry  let- 
ters from  New- York  and  Baltimore  was  read  in  the  congre- 
gation, at  which  saints  and  sinners  were  affected.  But  we 
have  not  a  sufficient  breastwork.  Our  friends  are  too  mute 
and  fearful,  and  many  of  the  outdoors  people  are  violent  and 
wicked.  I  have  had  a  busy,  trying  time  for  about  nine  days 
past ;  and  I  have  hopes  that  some  hundreds  in  this  city  will 
be  converted  by  this  time  next  year.  Our  conference  resolv- 
ed on  establishing  Sunday-schools  for  poor  children,  white 
and  black. 

Friday,  19.  We  rode  to  Edisto.  At  Gueham's  I  preached 
on  the  "  Great  salvation."  There  appeared  to  be  attention, 
and  some  were  affected. 

Vol.  II.— 4 


74 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Feb.,  1790. 


Saturday,  20.  Was  a  dry  time  at  Lynder's.  Brother 
Whatcoat  preached.    I  was  very  unwell  with  a  headache. 

Sunday,  21.  We  had  a  better  season  at  Cattle  Creek,  on 
Mai.  iii,  1.  May  God  arise  to  help  these  people,  and  revive 
and  work  mightily  for  and  amongst  them  ! 

Monday,  22.  We  had  a  heavy  ride  to  B.'s.  It  was  still 
more  so  when  we  came  to  preaching.  Poor  souls  !  the  An- 
tinomian  leaven  brings  forth  death  here.  Some  appeared 
hardened ;  others,  nevertheless,  appeared  a  little  melted. 
May  God  help  these  people !  I  was  unwell — could  eat  but 
little.  I  was  not  at  home.  I  felt  as  if  God  had  departed 
from  this  house,  and  was  miserable  until  I  left  it. 

Tuesday,  23.  We  rode  to  R  's.   Here  we  found  people 

of  another  spirit.  We  had  a  large  congregation — but  very 
blind,  deaf,  and  dumb.  O  Lord  !  can  these  dry  bones  live  ? 
I  spoke  very  close,  but  to  little  purpose.  May  the  Lord  help, 
and  stand  by  the  poor  preachers  who  labour  on  this  side 
Edisto ! 

Wednesday,  24.   At  Chester's,  and  next  day  at  P  's 

there  was  a  small  stir.  Some  here  have  been  awakened ;  but 
they  lean  to  Calvinism,  and  the  love  of  strong  drink  carries 
almost  all  away.  My  spirit  was  bowed  down  amongst  them. 
I  spoke  a  little,  and  so  did  brother  Whatcoat.  Wc  appoint- 
ed a  night  meeting.  There  came  only  two  men,  and  they 
were  drank. 

Friday,  26.  There  came  about  a  dozen  people  to  hear  us 
at  Treadwell's,  to  whom  brother  Whatcoat  preached  on  the 
"  works  of  the  flesh,"  and  the  "  fruits  of  the  Spirit." 

After  riding  thirty  miles  through  heavy  sands,  we  came  to 
Doctor  Fuller's.  I  am  strongly  inclined  to  think  I  am  done 
with  this  road  and  people.  They  pass  for  Christians — a 
prophet  of  strong  drink  might  suit  them.  I  was  clear  in  not 
receiving  anything  without  paying  for  it. 

Saturday,  27.    Rode  to  Campbelltown,  and  stopped  at 

brother  G  's.    Since  Friday,  the  19th,  we  have  ridden 

about  one  hundred  and  sixty  miles. 

I  have  been  under  various  trials  and  exercises,  and  have 


Mar.,  1790.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


75 


some  dejected  hours.  This  also  shall  tend  to  my  humiliation, 
and  work  for  my  good. 

Sunday,  28.  I  preached  on  1  Tim.  i,  15.  I  had  a  very 
still  and  unfeeling  congregation.  The  inhabitants  of  this  little 
town  (Campbelltown)  seem  to  be  sober  and  industrious  ;  but 
even  here  I  found  some  drunkards. 

Georgia. — Monday,  March  1.  We  crossed  at  Augusta,  in 
Geoigia,  and  rode  to  S.  C.  church.  I  had  some  enlargement 
on  Luke  iv,  18,  19.    Thence  we  proceeded  to  Brier  Creek. 

Tuesday,  2.  I  preached  in  an  old  church,  near  Waynes- 
borough  ;  at  Wyche's,  in  the  evening  ;  and  next  day  at  Gol- 
phin's,  Old  Town.    The  house  was  open,  and  the  day  cold. 

Thursday,  4.  I  preached  with  liberty  in  a  new  church,  near 
Fan's  bridge.  We  have  been  exercised  in  public  night  and 
day  ;  frequently  Ave  have  not  more  than  six  hours'  sleep  ; 
our  horses  are  weary,  and  the  houses  are  so  crowded,  that  at 
night  our  rest  is  much  disturbed.  Jesus  is  not  always  in  our 
dwellings  ;  and  where  he  is  not,  a  pole  cabin  is  not  very 
agreeable.  Provisions  for  man  and  horse  we  have  plenty  of. 
Our  journeys  are,  about  thirty  miles,  day  by  day  ;  but  under 
all  these  trials  I  enjoy  peace  and  patience,  and  have  much  of 
the  love  of  God. 

Sunday,  7.  We  had  a  crowded  congregation  at  H.'s.  Bro- 
ther W.   attempted  to  preach,  but  soon  concluded.  We 

lodged  with  brother  S  ,  above  the  forks  of  Ogecche. 

My  mind  has  been  much  tried  under  so  much  bodily  fatigue. 

I  went  to  view  four  hundred  acres  of  land,  and  found  it 
not  suitably  situated  for  a  seminary  of  learning.  Came  to 
S  's  ;  a  cold  place,  and  cold  congregation  there. 

Wednesday,  10.  Our  conference  began  at  Grant's.  We 
had  preaching  every  day,  and  there  were  some  quickenings 
amongst  the  people.  Our  business  was  conducted  in  peace 
and  unanimity.  The  deficiencies  of  the  preachers,  who  receive 
a  salary  of  sixty-four  dollars  per  annum  from  this  conference, 
amounted  to  seventy-four  pounds  for  the  last  year. 

Thursday,  11.  We  had  a  rainy  day,  yet  a  full  house,  and 
a  living  love-feast.    Some  souls  were  converted,  and  others 


-76 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Mar.,  1790. 


professed  sanctification.  I  had  some  opening  in  speaking  from 
Ezek.  ii,  7.  We  have  a  prospect  of  obtaining  a  hundred 
acres  of  land  for  every  one  hundred  pounds  we  can  raise  and 
pay,  for  the  support  of  Wesley  and  Whitfield  school.  On 
Monday  we  rode  out  to  view  three  hundred  acres  of  land  of- 
fered for  the  above  purpose.  My  soul  has  been  much  tried 
since  conference  began.  I  must  strive  to  keep  from  rising  too 
high,  or  sinking  too  low. 

Tuesday,  16.  We  set  out  on  our  journey,  and  came  to  the 
new  chapel  at  Bibb's  Cross  Roads.  I  preached  with  some 
life  and  liberty,  and  ordained  brother  Bennet  Maxey  to  the 
office  of  deacon.  I  spent  the  evening  at  brother  Herbert's, 
where  lie  interred  the  remains  of  dear  brother  Major.  I  was 
told  that  a  poor  sinner  was  struck  with  conviction  at  his 
grave,  and  thought  he  heard  the  voice  of  God  calling  him  to 
repentance.  I  was  also  told  of  a  woman  who  sent  for  brother 
Andrew  to  preach  her  funeral  sermon  while  living.  She  was 
blest  under  the  word,  and  died  in  peace. 

South  Carolina. —  Wednesday,  17.  We  were  kindly  en- 
tertained at  P.  C  's  ;  and  next  day,  after  riding  twenty- 
two  miles  to  P  's,  we  had  an  evening  meeting,  and  were 

happy  with  a  few  living  souls.  The  Presbyterians  are  very 
kind,  giving  us  freely  whatever  is  needful  for  man  and  horse. 
I  have  great  consolations,  and  severe  trials. 

Friday,  19.  We  had  some  stir,  especially  amongst  the 
young  people,  at  the  widow  Bowman's,  on  Reed)'  River. 

Saturday,  20.    Rode  to  M  's ;  and  finding  brother 

Ellis  was  to  be  at  C  's,  we  hasted  to  see  him,  and  rode 

twenty  miles,  crossing  Ennoree  River,  near  the  slaughter 
ground,  where  a  battle  was  fought  in  the  last  war. 

Sunday,  21.  Preached  to  a  quiet  people,  and  had  a  small 
stir.    We  had  a  meeting  in  the  evening  at  brother  Smith's. 

Monday,  22.  I  feel  myself  unwell  with  a  sick  and  nervous 
headache,  which  returns  once  a  month,  and  sometimes  oft- 
encr.  We  have  travelled  about  six  hundred  miles  in  about 
three  weeks,  besides  the  time  taken  up  in  conference.  Thou, 
Lord,  wilt  have  mercy,  and  save  both  man  and  beast !    I  ex- 


Apr.,  1790.]  ASBURT'S  JOURNAL. 


pect  Providence  brought  us  this  way,  to  pity  and  to  help  the 

people.    Dear  brother  and  sister  S          are  unspeakably 

kind. 

North-Carolina. — Friday,  26."  Rode  about  twenty-two 
miles.  Stopped  at  Col.  Graham's,  dripping  wet  with  rain. 
He  received  us,  poor  strangers,  with  great  kindness,  and 
treated  us  hospitably.  We  had  awful  thunder,  wind,  and 
rain.  I  was  still  unwell  with  a  complaint  that  terminated 
the  life  of  my  grandfather  Asbury,  whose  name  I  bear  ;  per- 
haps it  will  also  be  my  end.  We  were  weather-bound  until 
Monday  morning,  the  29th  of  March.  For  several  days  I 
have  been  very  sick  and  serious.  I  have  been  enabled  to 
look  into  eternity  with  some  pleasure.  I  could  give  up  the 
church,  the  college,  and  schools  ;  nevertheless,  there  was  one 
drawback — What  will  my  enemies  and  mistaken  friends  say  ? 
Why,  that  he  hath  offended  the  Lord,  and  he  hath  taken 
him  away.  In  the  afternoon  I  felt  somewhat  better.  Bro- 
ther Whatcoat  preached  a  most  excellent  sermon  on,  "  The 
kingdom  of  God  is  not  in  word  but  in  power  " — not  in  senti- 
ments or  forms,  but  in  the  convincing,  converting,  regene- 
rating, sanctifying  power  of  God.  I  am  making  close 
application  to  my  Bible.  Reading  the  Prophets  at  my  leisure 
whilst  on  my  journey,  I  met  with  a  pious  Baptist.  Glory  to 
God  for  what  religion  there  is  still  to  be  found  amongst  all 
sects  and  denominations  of  people  ! 

Wednesday,  31.  Rode  to  Gilbert  Town,  and  preached  at 
H  's  with  some  freedom,  but  was  very  unwell  in  the  after- 
noon. 

Tkursday,  April  1.  Rode  about  fifty  miles  through  Ruther- 
ford and  Burke  counties :  it  is  a  day  of  small  things  here. 

Crossed  Catawba  River  at  Greenlee's  ford,  and  came  to  our 
good  friend  White's,  on  John's  River,  about  eight  o'clock  at 
night.  When  I  set  off  in  the  morning,  it  seemed  as  if  I  should 
faint  by  the  way,  I  was  so  ill  with  a  mixed  internal  complaint 
to  which  I  am  subject.  We  arrived  in  the  very  nick  of  time, 
Friday  being  a  very  rainy  day,  and  there  being  no  necessity 
that  day  to  ride.    I  feel  happy  in  the  prospect  of  death  and 


18 


ASBURT'S  JOURNAL.         [Apr.,  1790. 


rest;  yet  am  I  willing  to  labour  and  to  suffer  the  Lord's 
leisure. 

Saturday,  3.  Quarterly  meeting  began.    Brother  W  

and  myself  both  preached,  and  there  was  a  reviving  among 
both  white  and  black ;  and  I  trust  some  souls  were  blessed. 

Sunday,  4.  Was  a  serious  day  ;  none  were  admitted  to  our 
private  meeting  but  members  :  many  spoke,  and  most  felt  the 
power  of  God.  We  then  hasted  to  the  Globe  chapel,  where 
the  people  met,  but  had  not  patience  to  wait :  we  had  a  rough 
road,  and  John's  River  to  cross  twenty  times.  I  was  desired 
to  preach  sister  B  's  funeral.  She  was  formerly  a  Pres- 
byterian ;  then  a  Methodist ;  and  last  of  all  a  Christian  ;  and 
there  is  good  hope  that  she  died  in  the  Lord.  I  was  resolved 
to  fulfil  her  desire,  and  preached  on  1  Cor.  xv,  56,  57,  to  about 
eight  souls. 

Monday,  5.  We  made  an  early  move.  After  worming  the 
stream  for  a  while,  Ave  took  through  the  Laurel  Hill,  and  had 
to  scale  the  mountains,  which  in  some  places  were  rising  like 
the  roof  of  a  house.  We  came  to  the  head  of  Watauga  River  ; 
a  most  neglected  place.  Here  the  people  have  had  their  corn 
destroyed  by  frost,  and  many  of  them  have  moved  away.  It 
was  thus  we  found  it  in  Tyger's  Valley.    We  passed  by 

W  's,  a  poor  lodging,  and  slept  at  the  Beaver  Dam  in  a 

cabin  without  a  cover,  except  what  a  few  boards  supplied : 
Ave  had  very  heavy  thunder  and  lightning,  and  most  hideous 
yelling  of  wolves  around  ;  Avith  rain,  which  is  frequent  in  the 
mountains. 

Tennessee.—  Tuesday,  6.  We  were  compelled  to  ride 
through  the  rain,  and  crossed  the  Stone  Mountain  :  those  who 
Avish  to  knoAV  Iioav  rough  it  is  may  tread  in  our  path.  What 
made  it  Avorse  to  me  was,  that  while  I  was  looking  to  see  Avhat 
Avas  become  of  our  guide,  I  Avas  carried  off  with  full  force 
against  a  tree  that  hung  across  the  road  some  distance  from 
the  ground,  and  my  head  received  a  very  great  jar,  Avhich, 
however,  Avas  lessened  by  my  having  on  a  hat  that  was  strong 
in  the  croAvn.  We  came  on  to  the  dismal  place  called  Roan's 
Cieck,  which  Avas  pretty  full.    Here  avc  took  a  good  break- 


Apr.,  1790.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


19 


fast  on  our  tea,  bacon,  and  bread.  Reaching  Watauga,  we 
had  to  swim  our  horses,  and  ourselves  to  cross  in  a  canoe ; 
up  the  Iron  Mountain  we  ascended,  where  we  had  many  a 
seat  to  rest,  and  many  a  weary  step  to  climb.  At  length  we 
came  to  Greer's,  and  halted  for  the  night. 

Wednesday,  7.  We  reached  Nelson's  chapel  about  one 
o'clock,  after  riding  about  eighteen  miles.  Now  it  is  that  we 
must  prepare  for  danger,  in  going  through  the  wilderness.  I 
received  a  faithful  letter  from  brother  Poythress  in  Kentucky, 
encouraging  me  to  come.  This  letter  I  think  well  deserving 
of  publication.  I  found  the  poor  preachers  indifferently  clad, 
with  emaciated  bodies,  and  subject  to  hard  fare ;  yet  I  hope 
they  are  rich  in  faith. 

Friday,  9.  After  receiving  great  kindness  from  dear  sister 
Nelson,  we  came  on  to  brother  Bull's,  who  wrought  for  us, 
gratis,  Avhat  we  wanted  in  shoeing  our  horses.    Thence  we 

went  on  to  brother  Gott's,  and  to  brother  P  's  ;  and  thence, 

groping  through  the  woods,  to  brother  Easley's ;  depending 
on  the  fidelity  of  the  Kentucky  people,  hastening  them,  and 
being  unwilling  they  should  wait  a  moment  for  me.  We 
crossed  Holstein  at  Smith's  ferry,  and  rode  thirty  miles  to 
Amie's,  where  we  were  well  entertained  for  our  money. 
Coming  along,  I  complained  that  the  people  would  take  no 
pay  for  their  food  or  services;  that  complaint  has  ceased. 
Very  unwell  as  I  was  we  pushed  down  Holstein  to  the  last 
house ;  here  we  had  no  hope  of  company  from  the  eastern  or 
western  side.  We  turned  out  our  horses  to  graze,  and  they 
strayed  off ;  so  here  we  are  anchored  indeed. 

The  unsettled  state  of  my  stomach  and  bowels  makes  labour 
and  life  a  burden.  We  are  now  in  a  house  in  which  a  man 
was  killed  by  the  savages ;  and  0,  poor  creatures !  they  are 
but  one  remove  from  savages  themselves.  I  consider  myself 
in  danger ;  but  my  God  will  keep  me  whilst  thousands  pray 
for  me. 

Sunday,  11.  My  soul  is  humbled  before  God,  waiting  to 
see  the  solution  of  this  dark  providence.  The  man  of  the 
house  is  gone  after  some  horses  supposed  to  be  stolen  by  In- 


80 


ASBUltY'S  JOURNAL.  [Apr.,  1790. 


dians.  I  have  been  near  fainting;  but  my  soul  is  revived 
again,  and  my  bodily  strength  is  somewhat  renewed.  If  these 
difficulties,  which  appear  to  impede  my  path,  are  designed  to 
prevent  my  going  to  Kentucky,  I  hope  to  know  shortly.  I 
spent  the  Sabbath  at  Robert  Beans's.  In  the  evening,  a  com- 
pany of  eleven  came  to  go  forward.  Our  horses  were  not  to 
be  found  without  a  great  sum. 

Monday  morning,  12.  We  loaded  brother  Anderson's  little 
horse  with  my  great  bags,  and  two  pair  smaller ;  four  saddles, 
with  blankets  and  provender.  We  then  set  out  and  walked 
ten  miles,  and  our  horses  were  brought  to  us,  and  those  who 
brought  them  were  pleased  to  take  what  we  pleased  to  give. 

Brother  A  sought  the  Lord  by  fasting  and  prayer,  and 

had  a  strong  impression  that  it  was  the  will  of  God  that  I 
should  not  go  with  that  company. 

Tuesday,  13.  We  came  back  to  A  's, — a  poor  sinner. 

He  was  highly  offended  that  we  prayed  so  loud  in  his  house. 
He  is  a  distiller  of  whisky,  and  boasts  of  gaining  £300  per 
annum  by  the  brewing  of  his  poison.  We  talked  very  plainly  ; 
and  I  told  him  that  it  was  of  necessity,  and  not  of  choice,  we 
were  there ;  that  I  feared  the  face  of  no  man.  He  said,  he 
did  not  desire  me  to  trouble  myself  about  his  soul.  Perhaps 
the  greatest  offence  was  given  by  my  speaking  against  distil- 
ling and  slave-holding. 

Having  now  been  upon  expenses  from  Friday  until  this  day, 
for  four  horses  and  three  men,  I  judged  it  high  time  to  move. 

Thursday,  15.  We  rode  fifty  miles  ;  and  next  day  preached 
at  Owens's. 

Saturday,  17.  We  rode  on  with  great  violence,  which  made 
me  feel  very  serious. 

Sunday,  18.  Brother  W.  preached  at  General  Russell's, 
on  the  birth,  character,  and  office  of  John  the  Baptist. 

Monday,  19.  I  resolved  on  taking  a  proper  dose  of  Tartar- 
emetic  ;  this  has  wrought  me  well,  and  I  hope  for  better 
health. 

From  December  14,  1789,  to  April  20,  1790,  we  compute 
to  have  travelled  two  thousand  five  hundred  and  seventy-eight 


Apr.,  1790.]          ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


81 


miles.  Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped.  Glory  !  glory  to  our 
God ! 

Virginia. — We  had  a  good  prayer-meeting  at  General 
Russell's.  This  family  is  lavish  in  attentions  and  kindness  :  I 
was  nursed  as  an  only  child  by  the  good  man  and  woman  of 
the  house,  and  indeed  by  all  the  family.  God  Almighty  bless 
them  and  reward  them  ! 

Thursday,  22.  We  had  a  lively  prayer-meeting  at  Key- 
wood's.  Come,  Lord,  like  thunder,  and  break  in  upon  these 
dear  young  people  ! 

Friday,  23.  We  had  a  very  lively  prayer-meeting  and  ex- 
hortation. We  trust  the  Lord  will  do  something  for  these 
people  before  we  leave  the  rich  Holstein  Valley :  I  feel  for 
their  state  ;  they  are  settled,  and  dwindling.  I  have  been  hap- 
py in  my  own  soul,  and  have  gained  bodily  strength.  Two 
weeks  are  now  spent,  one  in  waiting  on  the  Kentucky  business, 
and  one,  illness  has  prevented  my  improving,  except  that  it 
lias  furnished  time  to  publish  my  appointments  on  Clinch  and 
Nolachucky. 

Saturday,  24.  Many  attended  a  prayer-meeting  at  M'Hen- 
ry's,  but  there  was  little  life. 

Sunday,  25.  Preached  at  General  Russell's  on  Ezekiel 
xxxiii,  11.  I  saw,  I  felt,  I  knew  that  some  of  my  congrega- 
tion were  touched. 

Monday,  26.  We  rode  through  the  poor  Valley,  calling  on 

F  ,  who  had  been  sick  and  frightened  with  convictions  and 

the  fear  of  death  ;  Ave  prayed,  fed  our  horses,  and  rode  on  to 
Clinch  River. 

Tuesday,  27.  We  had  a  house  well  crowded,  but  there  was 
but  little  stir  among  them.  I  felt  for  these  dear  souls,  and 
judged  that  Providence  was  about  to  open  a  way  for  a  circuit 
to  be  formed  here  in  -Russell  county,  for  one  preacher. 

Wednesday,  28.  I  preached  at  brother  B  's,  a  frontier 

house,  and  a  station.  In  time  past,  a  person  was  killed  here 
by  the  Indians.  The  people  showed  their  zeal  in  purchasing 
two  magazines  and  several  hymn-books.  Some  say,  nothing 
but  whisky  will  bring  money ;  but  I  proved  the  contrary, 


82 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1790. 


and  I  give  them  credit.  We  have  had  cold  weather,  and 
severe  frosts  for  two  nights  past. 

We  had  a  dreary  ride  down  to  the  Ford  of  Clinch,  through 
a  solitary  plain :  many  attended  at  L  's. 

We  rode  down  to  Blackmore's  station :  here  the  people 
have  been  for  ted  on  the  north  side  of  Clinch.  Poor  Black- 
more  has  had  a  son  and  daughter  killed  by  the  Indians. 
They  are  of  opinion  here,  that  the  Cherokees  were  the  authors 
of  this  mischief:  I  also  received  an  account  of  two  families 
having  been  killed,  and  of  one  female  that  was  taken  prisoner, 
and  afterward  retaken  by  the  neighbours  and  brought 
back. 

Friday,  30.  Crossed  Clinch  about  two  miles  below  the  fort. 
In  passing  along  I  saw  the  precipice  from  which  Blackmore's 
unhappy  son  leaped  into  the  river  after  receiving  the  stroke 
of  a  tomahawk  in  his  head  ;  I  suppose,  by  the  measure  of  my 
eye,  it  must  be  between  fifty  and  sixty  feet  descent ;  his  com- 
panion was  shot  dead  upon  the  spot;  this  happened  on  the 
0th  of  April,  1180. 

We  came  a  dreary  road  over  rocks,  ridges,  hills,  stones,  and 
streams,  along  a  blind,  tortuous  path,  to  Mockason  Gap  and 
Creek ;  thence  to  Smith's  ferry  across  the  north  branch  of 
Holstein.  Here  I  found  some  lies  had  been  told  on  me ;  feel- 
ing myself  innocent,  I  was  not  moved. 

Saturday,  May  1.  Rested.  Next  day  (Sabbath)  I  preached 
to  a  hardened  people. 

Monday,  3.  I  preached  at  brother  Payne's,  and  had  some 
encouragement  among  our  Maryland  people.  Sabbath  night, 
I  dreamed  the  guard  from  Kentucky  came  for  me  ;  and  men- 
tioned it  to  brother  W  .    In  the  morning  I  retired  to  a 

small  stream,  for  meditation  and  prayer,  and  whilst  there  saw 
two  men  come  over  the  hills  :  I  felt  a  presumption  that  they 
were  Kentucky  men,  and  so  they  proved  to  be ;  they  were 
Peter  Massie,  and  John  Clark,  who  were  coming  for  me,  with 
the  intelligence  that  they  had  left  eight  men  below :  after 
leading  the  letters,  and  asking  counsel  of  God,  I  consented 
to  go  with  them. 


May,  1790.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


Tuesday,  4.  We  prepared  ourselves  and  horses  for  our 
journey,  and  the  next  day  came  once  more  to  Amie's. 

Thursday,  6.  Came  to  Crabbe's,  at  the  lower  end  of  the 
Valley,  and  were  occupied  in  collecting  our  company. 

Friday,  7.  We  formed  the  whole  of  our  company  at  the 

Valley  station ;  besides  brother  W—  1  and  myself,  we  were 

sixteen  men,  having  thirteen  guns  only.  We  moved  on  verv 
swiftly,  considering  the  roughness  of  the  way,  travelling,  by 
my  computation,  thirty-five  miles  to-daj\  Next  day  we 
reached  Rich  Land  Creek,  and  encamped  on  the  road  about 
nine  o'clock  at  night,  having  made,  by  computation,  forty-five 
miles. 

Kentucky. — Sunday,  9.  We  travelled  about  fifty  miles; 
and  next  day  forty-five  miles,  and  reached  Madison  court- 
house, passing  the  branches  of  Rock  Castle  River :  on  our 
journey  we  saw  the  rock  whence  the  river  derives  its  name ; 
it  is  amazing,  and  curious,  with  appearances  the  most  artifi- 
cial I  have  ever  seen — it  is  not  unlike  an  old  church  or  castle 
in  Europe.  We  stopped  at  M  's,  whose  wife,  now  a  ten- 
der, gracious  soul,  was  taken  prisoner  by  the  Indians  during 
the  last  war,  and  carried  to  Detroit. 

Tuesday,  11.  Crossed  Kentucky  River.  I  was  strangely 
outdone  for  want  of  sleep,  having  been  greatly  deprived  of  it 
in  my  journey  through  the  wilderness ;  which  is  like  being  at 
sea,  in  some  respects,  and  in  others  worse.  Our  way  is  over 
mountains,  steep  hills,  deep  rivers,  and  muddy  creeks  ;  a  thick 
growth  of  reeds  for  miles  together ;  and  no  inhabitants  but 
wild  beasts  and  savage  men.  Sometimes,  before  I  am  aware, 
my  ideas  would  be  leading  me  to  be  looking  out  ahead  for  a 
fence ;  and  I  would,  without  reflection,  try  to  recollect  the 
houses  we  should  have  lodged  at  in  the  wilderness.  I  slept 
about  an  hour  the  first  night,  and  about  two  the  last :  we  ate 
no  regular  meal;  our  bread  grew  short,  and  I  was  much 
spent. 

I  saw  the  graves  of  the  slain — twenty-four  in  one  camp.  I 
learn  that  they  had  set  no  guard,  and  that  they  were  up  late, 
playing  at  cards.    A  poor  woman  of  the  company  had 


84 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [May,  1790. 


dreamed  three  times  that  the  Indians  had  surprised  and 
killed  them  all ;  she  urged  her  husband  to  entreat  the  people 
to  set  a  guard,  but  they  only  abused  him,  and  cursed  him  for 
his  pains.  As  the  poor  woman  was  relating  her  last  dream 
the  Indians  came  upon  the  camp ;  she  and  her  husband 
sprung  away,  one  east,  the  other  west,  and  escaped.  She 
afterward  came  back,  and  witnessed  the  carnage.  These  poor 
sinners  appeared  to  be  ripe  for  destruction.  I  received  an 
account  of  the  death  of  another  wicked  wretch  who  was  shot 
through  the  heart,  although  he  had  vaunted,  with  horrid 
oaths,  that  no  Creek  Indian  could  kill  him.  These  are  some 
of  the  melancholy  accidents  to  which  the  country  is  subject 
for  the  present ;  as  to  the  land,  it  is  the  richest  body  of  fer- 
tile soil  I  have  ever  beheld. 

Wednesday,  12.  I  preached  for  the  first  time  at  R  's, 

on  Jer.  1,  4,  5,  and  the  Lord  was  with  me. 

Thursday,  13.  Being  court-time,  I  preached  in  a  dwelling- 
house,  at  Lexington,  and  not  without  some  feeling.  The 
Methodists  do  but  little  here — others  lead  the  way.  After 

dinner  I  rode  about  five  miles  in  company  with  poor  C  

W  .    Ah !  how  many  times  have  I  eaten  at  this  man's 

table,  in  New- York ! — and  now,  he  is  without  property  and 
without  grace.  When  about  to  part,  I  asked  him  if  he  loved 
God :  his  soul  was  in  his  eyes  ;  he  burst  into  tears,  and  could 
scarcely  speak — "  he  did  not  love  God,  but  he  desired  it." 

Our  conference  was  held  at  brother  Masterson's,  a  very 
comfortable  house,  and  kind  people.  We  went  through  our 
business  in  great  love  and  harmony.  I  ordained  Wilson  Lee, 
Thomas  Williamson,  and  Barnabas  M'Henry,  elders.  We 
had  preaching  noon  and  night,  and  souls  were  converted,  and 
the  fallen  restored.  My  soul  has  been  blessed  among  these 
people,  and  I  am  exceedingly  pleased  with  them.  I  would 
not,  for  the  worth  of  all  the  place,  have  been  prevented  fn 
this  visit,  having  no  doubt  but  that  it  will  be  for  the  good  of 
the  present  and  rising  generation.  It  is  true,  such  exertions 
of  mind  and  body  are  trying ;  but  I  am  supported  under  it : 
if  souls  are  saved,  it  is  enough.    Brother  Poythress  is  much 


May,  1790.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


85 


alive  to  God.  We  fixed  a  plan  for  a  school,  and  called  it 
Bethel;  and  obtained  a  subscription  of  upwards  of  three 
hundred  pounds,  in  land  and  money,  towards  its  estab- 
lishment. 

Monday,  17.  Rode  to  Coleman's  chapel,  about  teriftiiles 
from  Lexington,  and  preached  to  an  unengaged  people.  We 
thence  rode  to  I.  Lewis's,  on  the  bend  of  Kentucky  River. 
Lewis  is  an  old  acquaintance,  from  Leesburg,  Virginia ;  I  was 
pleased  to  find  that  heaven  and  religion  were  not  lost  sight 
of  in  this  family.  Brother  Lewis  offered  me  one  hundred 
acres  of  land  for  Bethel,  on  a  good  spot  for  building  ma- 
terials. 

We  rode  through  mire  and  rain  twenty-one  miles  to 
Francis  Clark's,  near  Danville,  where  we  had  a  numerous 
congregation. 

Saturday,  22.  We  had  a  noble  shout  at  Brown's,  and  four 
souls  professed  to  be  converted  to  God.  Reached  the  Crab- 
Orchard,  and  lodged  under  a  tree,  very  feverish  and  unwell ; 
a  poor  beginning  this. 

Monday,  24.  We  set  out  on  our  return  through  the  wil- 
derness with  a  large  and  helpless  company ;  we  had  about 
fifty  people,  twenty  of  whom  were  armed,  and  five  of  whom 
might  have  stood  fire.  To  preserve  order  and  harmony,  we 
had  articles  drawn  up  for,  and  signed  by,  our  company,  and  I 
arranged  the  people  for  travelling  according  to  the  regulations 
agreed  upon.  Some  disaffected  gentlemen,  who  would  nei- 
ther sign  nor  come  under  discipline,  had  yet  the  impudence 
to  murmur  when  left  behind.  The  first  night  we  lodged 
some  miles  beyond  the  Hazel-patch.  The  next  day  we  dis- 
covered signs  of  Indians,  and  some  thought  they  heard  voices ; 
we  therefore  thought  it  best  to  travel  on,  and  did  not  encamp 
until  three  o'clock,  halting  on  the  east  side  of  Cumberland 
River.  We  had  gnats  enough.  We  had  an  alarm,  but  it 
turned  out  to  be  a  false  alarm.  A  young  gentleman,  a  Mr. 
Alexander,  behaved  exceedingly  well ;  but  his  tender  frame 
was  not  adequate  to  the  fatigue  to  be  endured,  and  he  had 
well-nigh  fainted  on  the  road  to  Cumberland  Gap.  Brother 


so 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [June,  1790. 


Maesie  was  captain ;  and  finding  I  had  gained  authority 
among  the  people,  I  acted  somewhat  in  the  capacity  of  an 
adjutant  and  quarter-master  amongst  them.  At  the  foot  of 
the  mountain  the  company  separated ;  the  greater  part  went 
on  with  me  to  Powell's  River ;  here  we  slept  on  the  earth, 
and  next  day  made  the  Grassy  Valley.  Several  of  the  com- 
pany, who  were  not  Methodists,  expressed  their  high  appro- 
bation of  our  conduct,  and  most  affectionately  invited  us  to 
their  houses.  The  journeys  of  each  day  were  as  follow : 
Monday  forty-five  miles  ;  Tuesday  fifty  miles  ;  Wednesday, 
sixty  miles. 

Tennessee. —  Thursday,  27.  By  riding  late  we  reached 
Capt.  Amie's,  where  I  had  a  bed  to  rest  on. 

Friday,  Saturday,  and  Sunday,  28,  29,  30.  I  spent  at  Gen. 
Russell's  whose  wife  is  converted  since  I  left  the  house  last; 
I  thought  then  that  she  was  not  far  from  the  kingdom  of 
God. 

I  found  myself  dispirited  in  public  preaching.  I  afterward 
ordained  I.  Ragan  and  B.  Vanpelt,  local  preachers,  to  the  of- 
fice of  deacons. 

Monday,  31.  Rode  to  New  River,  forty-five  or  fifty  miles; 
here  I  saw  J ohn  Tunnel!,  very  low ;  a  mere  shadow ;  but 
very  humble  and  patient  under  his  affliction. 

North  Carolina. —  Tuesday,  June  1.  I  rode  about  forty- 
five  miles  to  Armstrong's,  and  next  day  about  four  o'clock 
reached  M'Knights  on  the  Yadkin  River,  in  North  Carolina; 
here  the  conference  had  been  waiting  for  me  nearly  two 
weeks  :  we  rejoiced  together,  and  my  brethren  received  me 
as  one  brought  from  the  jaws  of  death.  Our  business  was 
much  matured,  the  critical  concern  of  the  council  understood, 
and  the  plan,  with  its  amendments,  adopted. 

Saturday  and  Sunday,  5,  6.  Were  days  of  the  Lord's 
presence  and  power — several  were  converted.  We  had  an 
ordination  each  day.  We  have  admitted  into  full  connexion 
some  steady  men,  with  dispositions  and  talents  for  the  work. 

Monday,  7.  Rode  through  Salem  Town;  the  Moravian 
brethren  have  the  blessing  of  the  nether  springs,  and  houses, 


Jcxe,  1790.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


87 


orchards,  mills,  stores,  mechanics'  shops,  &c.  I  rode  about 
three  hundred  miles  to  Kentucky  in  six  days ;  and  on  my 
return  about  five  hundred  miles  in  nine  days.  0  what  exer- 
tions for  man  and  horse ! 

Virginia. —  Wednesday,  9.  Came  forty-five  miles  to  I. 
C  's,  and  next  day  thirty  miles  to  sister  Jones's. 

Friday,  11.  Rode  to  brother  I  's,  and  next  day  late 

in  the  evening  reached  Petersburg. 

Sunday,  13.  I  preached  on  Psalm  lxxxv,  6.  I  was  weak 
and  unwell  with  excessive  labour  and  want  of  rest. 

Monday,  14.  Our  conference  began;  all  was  peace  until 
the  council  was  mentioned.  The  young  men  appeared  to  be 
entirely  under  the  influence  of  the  elders,  and  turned  it  out  of 
doors.  I  was  weary,  and  felt  but  little  freedom  to  speak  on 
the  subject.  This  business  is  to  be  explained  to  every 
preacher ;  and  then  it  must  be  carried  through  the  conferences 
twenty-four  times,  that  is,  through  all  the  conferences  for  two 
years.  We  had  some  little  quickenings,  but  no  great  move 
among  the  people  at  our  public  preaching.  Mr.  Jarratt 
preached  for  us ;  friends  at  first  are  friends  again  at  last. 
There  were  four  elders,  and  seventeen  deacons  ordained ;  ten 
young  men  who  offered  to  travel,  besides  those  who  remained 
on  trial.  We  have  good  news  from  a  far  country — Jersey 
flames  with  religion ;  some  hundreds  are  converted.  The 
work  of  God  does  revive  here,  although  not  in  the  same  de- 
gree as  it  did  two  years  ago.  In  the  midst  of  all  my  labour 
and  trouble  I  enjoy  peace  within. 

Saturday,  19.  Ended  my  week  of  business.  I  am  crowded 
with  letters — have  much  reading  and  writing,  and  the  tem- 
poral concerns  of  the  college,  and  the  printing  to  attend  to. 

Sunday,  20.  I  spoke  melting  words  on  Hosea  xi,  8  ;  many 
felt ;  one  found  peace  with  God.  In  the  afternoon,  I  believe 
the  power  of  God  was  felt  in  the  hearts  of  some  of  my  con- 
gregation. I  did  not  wonder  that  there  was  not  a  greater 
work  of  religion  in  this  place,  when  I  learned  that  they  were 
sometimes  three  or  four, weeks  without  preaching  :  thus  Satan 
tries  to  keep  preachers  and  people  asunder — yet  some  cry 


88 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [June,  1790. 


out,  "  We  have  no  faith  for  Petersburg  !"   My  dear  old  friend 

and  fellow-traveller,  W  ,  is  smitten  with  boils,  so  that  he 

cannot  go  on.    Stopped  at  brother  G  's. 

Monday,  21.  We  had  the  Divine  presence  in  our  worship 
at  sister  Stringer's.  I  am  often  blessed  at  the  houses  of  the 
fatherless  and  widows.  Now,  I  say  to  my  body,  return  to 
thy  labour ;  to  my  soul,  return  to  thy  rest,  and  pure  delight 
in  reading,  meditation,  and  prayer,  and  solitude.  The  shady 
groves  are  witness  to  my  retired  and  sweetest  hours :  to  sit, 
and  melt,  and  bow  alone  before  the  Lord,  whilst  the  melody 
of  the  birds  warbles  from  tree  to  tree — how  delightful ! 

Tuesday,  22.  The  Lord  was  with  us  at  Finney's  church  ; 
and  God's  dear  children  praised  his  name,  whilst  sinners  felt 
and  looked  serious. 

Wednesday ,  23.  I  preached  at  Paine's,  an  ancient,  and 
almost  wornout  place.  At  Ryan's,  the  next  day,  I  was  quite 
unwell ;  and  what  made  the  matter  worse,  was,  that  I  impru- 
dently Avalked  out,  and  sat  upon  the  ground,  and  took  fresh 
cold.  From  Ryall's  I  proceeded  to  the  old  court-house, 
where  I  spoke  with  great  pain — from  head  to  foot  was  pain, 
all  perspiration  appeared  to  be  quite  stopped.  I  lodged  at 
Jones's — a  whole  family  snatched  as  brands  from  the  burning. 

Saturday,  26.  I  was  so  unwell  that  I  could  not  preach  at 
Pride's  church. 

Sunday,  27.  Rode  to  brother  Strong's,  where,  as  there 
were  many  who  had  come  expecting  to  hear  me,  I  made  a 
feeble  attempt  in  the  woods,  on  2  Thess.  i,  5-9 ;  my  head 
was  greatly  .afflicted. 

Monday  morning,  28.  I  took  a  strong  decoction  of  rue  and 
wormwood.  My  fever  breaks,  and  I  feel  a  little  better.  I 
found  perfect  patience  in  great  miser)''  of  body.  Lord,  make 
me  perfect  through  suffering  ! 

Monday,  28.  I  had  a  few  Christians  and  a  few  sinners  at 
the  widow  Lackland's  ;  and  there  was  a  small  reviving  among 
the  people.  The  leaven  of  Antinomianism  prevails  here,  and 
the  Methodists  talk  much  about  perspns  and  opinions,  when 
they  should  be  looking  to  God. 


July,  1790.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


89 


Tuesday,  29.  I  am  very  weak  and  low  in  body.  Lord, 
sanctify  affliction,  and  make  it  a  mean  of  health  to  my  soul ! 

Brother  W  preached  on,  "  He  that  believeth  shall  not 

make  haste."  I  have  felt  grieved  in  mind  that  there  is  a  link 
broken  out  of  twelve  that  should  form  a  chain  of  union  :  I 
hope  God  will  sanctify  some  providence  to  the  explanation  of 
this  matter,  and  heal  the  whole. 

Wednesday,  30.  Brother  W  gave  us  a  weighty  dis- 
course on  the  prophetic,  priestly,  and  kingly  offices  of  Christ. 
In  great  weakness,  I  enlarged  on  1  Peter  iii,  15,  and  showed 
that  it  is  not  enough  to  sanctify  the  Lord  God  in  his  name, 
word,  Sabbath,  ordinances,  ministers,  people,  and  worship ; 
but  that  the  heart  must  be  filled  with  a  holy,  constant  fear  of, 
confidence  in,  and  love  to,  God.  But  how  common  is  it  for 
different  denominations  to  ask  each  other  of  their  distinguish- 
ing peculiarities  ;  and  how  very  rare  it  is  for  them  to  talk 
closely  of  the  dealings  of  God  with  their  own  souls  ! 

As  we  rode  on,  there  was  a  great  appearance  of  immediate 
rain  ;  I  prayed  that  it  might  pass,  fearing  its  effects  in  my 
very  weak  state  ;  I  was  mercifully  preserved  ;  a  few  drops  fell 
on  me  only,  and  I  found,  as  I  proceeded,  that  it  had  rained 
very  heavily  ahead. 

We  had  a  few  unfeeling  souls  at  Swiney's :  one  man  ap- 
peared to  be  hardened  to  an  extraordinary  degree  ;  I  thought 
I  felt  his  spirit  as  soon  as  I  came. 

Thursday,  July  1.    I  preached  in  a  school-house,  near 

brother  M  's,   with  some   enlargement,  but,   I  fear, 

to  little  purpose  :  one  woman  appeared  to  be  under  con- 
viction. 

Friday,  2.  I  had  a  painful  ride  of  twenty-five,  or  thirty 
miles,  to  brother  C  's. 

Saturday,  3.  My  mind  was  afflicted,  and  my  body  weak. 
I  was  led  to  speak  on,  "  Be  ye  also  ready," — and  some  felt 
the  word. 

Sunday,  4.  I  was  set  at  liberty,  and  there  was  a  little 
shaking  and  breathing  after  God,  while  I  opened  and  ex- 
plained, "  And  there  is  none  calleth  upon  thy  name,  that  stir- 


90 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [July,  1790. 


reth  up  himself  to  take  hold  of  thee."  Afterward  I  rode 
to  brother  Murphy's.  I  felt  very  weak,  but  patiently  happy 
in  God. 

Monday,  5.  We  had  some  move  at  Ay  re's  church ;  bro- 
ther W  was  much  led  out  in  exhortation  and  prayer.  I 

spent  the  afternoon  in  reading  and  spiritual  exercises. 

Tuesday,  6.  We  rode  to  Liberty,  the  county-town  of  Bed- 
ford. We  set  out  towards  Botetourt,  and  reached  brother 
Mitchell's  about  ten  o'clock  the  next  day,  and  found  some 
zeal  amongst  the  people.  Next  day  at  E.  Mitchell's,  on 
Craig's  Creek,  one  soul  found  the  Lord. 

Friday,  9.  We  had  a  tedious,  tiresome  journey  over  hills 
and  mountains  to  Pott's  Creek.    After  a  melting  season  at 

brother  C  's,  we  came  to  brother  W  's,  where  we 

were  informed  of  the  death  of  dear  brother  John  Tunnell. 

Saturday,  10.  Brother  Tunnell's  corpse  was  brought  to 
Dew's  chapel.  I  preached  his  funeral:  my  text,  "For  me 
to  live  is  Cbrist,  and  to  die  is  gain."  We  were  much  blessed, 
and  the  power  of  God  was  eminently  present.  It  is  fourteen 
years  since  brother  Tunnell  first  knew  the  Lord  ;  and  he  has 
spoken  about  thirteen  years,  and  travelled  through  eight  of 
the  thirteen  States  :  few  men,  as  public  ministers,  were  better 
known  or  more  beloved.  He  was  a  simple-hearted,  artless, 
childlike  man :  for  his  opportunities,  he  was  a  man  of  good 
learning ;  had  a  large  fund  of  Scripture  knowledge,  was  a 
good  historian,  a  sensible,  improving  preacher,  a  most  affec- 
tionate friend,  and  a  great  saint;  he  had  been  wasting  and 
declining  in  strength  and  health  for  eight  years  past,  and  for 
the  last  twelve  months  sinking  into  a  consumption.  I  am 
humbled.  0,  let  my  soul  be  admonished  to  be  more  devoted 
to  God  ! 

Sunday,  11.  The  morning  was  rainy.  About  noon  I  set 
out  for  the  Sweet-Springs,  and  preached  on  1  Cor.  i,  23-29. 
A  few  of  the  gentry  were  kind  enough  to  come  and  hear — 
and  some  were  enraptured  with  the  sermon  ;  for — it  was  very 
like  the  subject.  The  three  following  days  I  rested,  and  was 
very  unwell.    I  had  no  place  to  preach,  but  under  the  trees, 


July,  1790.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


91 


and  preaching  here  seems  unseasonable  with  the  people,  ex- 
cept on  Sundays. 

Thursday,  15.  Rode  to  Rohoboth,  where  brother  W  

preached,  and  brother  A  and  myself  spoke  after  him, 

and  the  people  appeared  somewhat  affected. 

Friday,  16.  We  had  twenty  miles  to  Green-Brier  court- 
boose: — here  some  sat  as  critics  and  judges.  We  had  to 
ride  thirty-one  miles  without  food  for  man  or  horse,  and  to 
call  at  three  houses  before  we  could  get  water  fit  to  drink — 
all  this  may  serve  to  try  our  faith  or  patience. 

Saturday,  17.  Some  very  pointed  things  were  delivered 
relative  to  parents  and  children,  from  Gen.  xviii,  19.  After 
being  in  public  exercises  from  ten  till  two  o'clock,  we  rode  in 
the  afternoon  twenty  miles  to  the  little  levels  of  Green-Brier. 
On  my  way  I  premeditated  the  sending  of  a  preacher  to  a 
newly-settled  place  in  the  Kenhaway  county. 

Sunday,  18.  We  had  a  warm  sermon  at  M'Neal's,  at 
which  many  were  highly  offended  ;  but  I  trust  their  false 
peace  is  broken.  There  are  many  bears  in  this  part  of  the 
country ;  not  long  since,  a  child  in  this  neighbourhood  was 
killed  by  one. 

Monday,  19.  Rode  to  Drinnon's,  whose  wife  was  killed, 
and  his  son  taken  prisoner  by  the  Indians. 

Tuesday,  20.  I  believe  I  never  before  travelled  such  a  path 
as  I  this  day  rode  over  the  mountains  to  reach  Mr.  Nelson's, 
in  Tyger- Valley. 

Wednesday,  21.  I  preached  at  Wilson's.  Here  many  care- 
less people  do  not  hear  a  sermon  more  than  once  in  one  or  two 
years ;  this  one  of  them  told  me ;  and  that  he  and  his  wife 
had  not  been  to  preaching  since  I  was  here  on  my  last  visit. 
I  endeavoured  to  apply,  "  My  people  are  destroyed  for  lack 
of  knowledge." 

Thursday,  22.  My  horse  lost  a  shoe  on  a  bad  road,  and 
next  day  on  the  mountains  dropped  two  more ;  so  I  rode  my 
old  baggage-horse  along  a  most  dreary,  grown-up  path,  to 
brother  C  's. 

Saturday,  24.    Attended  quarterly-meeting  at  Morgan- 


92 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Aug.,  1790. 


town — I  spoke  on  superstition,  idolatry,  unconditional  elec- 
tion, and  reprobation,  Antinomianism,  Universalisra,  and 
Deism. 

Sunday,  25.  Preached  on  Matt,  xxv,  31,  to  the  end;  bro- 
ther W          also  gave  us  a  sermon ;  and  a  Presbyterian 

minister  two  :  so  here  we  had  it  in  abundance. 

Monday,  26.  Preached  at  B'  .'s  ;  and  the  next  day  at 

H  's.  Our  conference  began  at  Uniontown  on  Wednes- 
day the  twenty-eighth  of  July : — it  was  conducted  in  peace 
and  love.    On  Thursday  I  preached. 

Pennsylvania. — Saturday,  31.  I  spoke  on  education, 
from  Prov.  xxii,  6.  I  was  led  to  enlarge  on  the  obligations  of 
parents  to  their  children ;  and  the  nature  of  that  religious 
education  which  would  be  most  likely  to  fit  them  for  this, 
and  which  alone  could  qualify  them  for  the  next  world. 

Sunday,  August  1.    I  ordained  C.  C  ,  I.  L  ,  and 

G.  C  ,  elders,  and  four  deacons.    Here  there  is  a  revival 

among  preachers  and  people  ;  some  of  the  societies  are  much 
engaged  with  God  ;  and  after  we  have  had  a  few  more  con- 
ferences in  Uniontown,  I  hope  we  shall  drive  Satan  out,  and 
have  a  glorious  work. 

Tuesday,  3.  Rode  to  B  's  ;  and  next  day  came  to 

Cressap's,  where  I  rested  the  following  day,  and  was  em- 
ployed in  reading,  meditation,  and  prayer.  I  had  very  so- 
lemn thoughts  of  God  and  his  work.  I  want  a  closer  walk 
with  God ;  and  to  be  more  alone,  and  in  prayer. 

Friday,  6.  We  had  Divine  breathings  at  the  chapel. 

Saturday,  1.  We  held  a  quarterly  meeting  at  the  widow 
Coulson's.  There  was  much  rain  ;  we  had  many  people,  and 
but  little  room.  These  circumstances  rendered  the  meeting 
in  some  respects  uncomfortable  ;  yet,  I  trust,  it  was  profitable. 
Many  souls  felt  the  Divine  power,  among  whom  were  some 
poor  backsliders. 

Tuesday,  10.  I  had  an  attentive,  well-behaved  congrega- 
tion at  Squire  Vanmeter's.  0  that  they  may  feel  the  truth 
and  effects  of  godliness  on  earth,  and  in  heaven  ! 

At  Doctor  Naves's,  formerly  Hyder's,  I  applied,  "0 


Aire.,  1190.1 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


03 


Ephraim,  how  shall  I  give  thee  up  ?"  I  felt  a  vast  weight 
upon  my  spirits  for  these  people. 

Wednesday,  11.  We  had  about  forty  miles  to  ride  to 

G  ,  and  Brock's  Gap,  over  a  severe  mountain  to  cross. 

The  weather  was  extremely  warm.  I  viewed  and  pitied  the 
case  of  the  people  on  the  south  fork  of  the  south  branch  of 
the  Potomac  :  they  are  Germans,  and  have  no  preaching  in 
their  own  language,  and  English  preaching  is  taken  from 
them — none  careth  for  them.  I  am  of  opinion,  that  if  a 
preacher  would  come  and  continue  amongst  them  for  one 
year,  riding  up  and  down  the  river,  preaching  from  house  to 
house,  it  would  answer  a  very  good  purpose. 

Virginia. — Came  to  brother  Baker's,  a  pious  German, 
well  settled  on  a  branch  of  Shenandoah  River.  I  had  an 
attentive  congregation  of  his  countrymen. 

Saturday  and  Sunday,  14,  15.  I  preached  at  Rocking- 
ham, where  there  is  the  beginning  of  a  good  work.  We 
have  a  church  built  on  a  hill,  that  cannot  be  hid.  People 
came  as  far  as  thirty  miles  to  preaching ;  and  some  found 
the  Lord  during  my  stay.  We  have  some  very  respectable 
friends  here. 

Tuesday,  17.  We  had  a  crowd  of  people  at  Bethel,  who 
appeared  very  insensible.  Rode  on  to  Miller's  Town,  pro- 
perly Woodstock.  Here  I  was  permitted  to  preach  in  the 
Episcopal  church.  Many  attended,  and  behaved  well,  and  I 
had  light  and  liberty  in  speaking. 

Wednesday,  18.  We  had  twenty-two  miles  to  Newtown. 
Here  they  have  built  us  a  spacious  chapel.  Our  horses  arc 
stiff,  and  lame,  and  sore,  and  the  weather  is  oppressively 
warm.  We  have  many  sick,  hungry,  wear}'  rides  through 
the  heat,  and  over  hills,  rocks,  and  mountains. 

Saturday  and  Sunday,  21,  22.  We  held  our  quarterly 
meeting  at  Newtown.  Many  felt  the  power  of  God — parti- 
cularly at  the  love-feast.  Some  were  of  opinion  that  twenty 
were  converted. 

Tuesday,  24.  We  had  a  melting  time  while  I  opened  these 
words  :  "  Neither  is  there  salvation  in  any  other,"  6c.   I  feel 


94 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Sept.,  1790. 


a  persuasion  that  these  people  will  come  home  to  God.  One 
was  deeply  distressed  under  preaching.  I  rode  about  an 
hour  after  night,  in  order  to  reach  brother  Donaldson's,  by 
which  I  found  I  had  taken  cold. 

Wednesday,  25.  Our  conference  began  at  Leesburg ;  and 
we  continued  together  until  the  Sabbath  following :  and  had 
a  happy  time  of  peace  and  union. 

To  conciliate  the  minds  of  our  brethren  in  the  south  district 
of  Virginia,  who  are  restless  about  the  council,  I  wrote  their 
leader  a  letter,  informing  him,  "  that  I  would  take  my  seat  in 
council  as  another  member ;"  and,  in  that  point,  at  least, 
wave  the  claims  of  episcopacy ;  yea,  I  would  lie  down  and 
be  trodden  upon,  rather  than  knowingly  injure  one  soul. 

Maryland. — Monday,  30.  Preached  at  the  Sugar-Loaf 
mountain  with  great  freedom,  on :  "  For -Zion's  sake  I  will  not 
hold  my  peace,"  and  found  the  work  of  God  had  been  greatly 
furthered.    Here  I  preached  sixteen  years  ago. 

Tuesday,  31.  I  had  a  blessed  season  at  Pigman's  church, 
where  the  Lord  hath  wrought  wonders. 

Wednesday,  September  1.  There  was  an  appearance  of 
good  at  I.  Holland's  ;  and  the  work  goes  on  there. 

Thursday,  2.  At  the  widow  H  's,  I  put  them  in  mind 

of  my  first  labours  amongst  them  from  house  to  house,  and 
some  sinners  felt  and  shook.  Next  day  at  Rowe's  there  was 
a  shaking. 

Friday,  3.  At  night  I  preached  in  Baltimore :  "  0 
Ephraim  !  how  shall  I  give  thee  up  ?" 

Monday,  6.  Our  conference  began ;  was  conducted  in 
great  peace  and  union,  and  ended  on  Wednesday,  8. 

Thursday,  9.  I  rode  to  Cokesbury. 

Friday,  10.  In  the  morning  philosophical  lectures  were  de- 
livered; and  in  the  afternoon  the  boys  delivered  their  ora- 
tions, some  parts  of  which  were  exceptionable,  and  duly 
noticed. 

Saturday,  11.  We  made  some  regulations  relative  to  the 
order  and  government  to  be  observed  in  the  college. 

Sunday,  12.    I  preached  in  the  college  hall,  on  Matt. 


Sept.,  1790. J        ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


95 


xxv,  31,  to  forty-six  scholars.    Brothers  D  and  C  

spoke  after  me. 

Monday,  13.  Set  out,  and  next  day  reached  Duck  Creek 
Cross  Roads,  where  we  held  our  conference  for  the  Eastern 
shore  of  Maryland  and  Delaware.  One  or  two  of  our 
brethren  felt  the  Virginia  fire  about  the  question  of  the 
council,  but  all  things  came  into  order,  and  the  council  ob- 
tained. While  in  session  I  preached  twice ;  first,  on  Jos. 
iii,  5,  and  the  second  time,  on  Psalm  cxxxvii,  6.  We  had  a  so- 
lemn, uniting,  melting  season,  and  great  power  attended  our 
last  meeting. 

Saturday,  18.  At  noon  I  set  out  for  Philadelphia ;  but  my 
saddle  horse  being  lame,  I  was  compelled  to  ride  my  old 
horse,  which  is  only  fit  to  carry  my  baggage. 

Sunday,  19.  Dined  with  brother  Bond,  and  came  on  to 
Wilmington.  Whilst  preaching  we  had  Satan  inside  and  out- 
side of  the  house,  and  through  the  winduws.  I  believe  good 
was  done,  at  which  he  was  not  well  pleased. 

A  daughter  of  my  old  friend,  Stedham,  had  not  forgotten 
me.  She  invited  me,  with  much  affection,  to  her  house.  She 
remembered  the  living  and  dying  monitions  of  her  father,  and 
was  mindful  of  his  friends. 

Pennsylvania. — Monday,  20.  I  reached  the  city  of  Phi- 
ladelphia. Our  brethren  have  built  a  new  chapel,  thirty  feet 
square,  at  the  south  end  of  the  city.  I  feel  myself  fatigued 
and  umvell,  occasioned  by  riding  a  rough-going  horse. 

Tuesday,  21.  This  day  was  spent  in  reading,  writing,  and 
visiting. 

Wednesday,  22.  The  conference  began  in  poor  Pennsyl- 
vania district :  all  was  peace  and  love.  Our  printing  is  in  a 
good  state.  Our  society  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia  are  gene- 
rally poor :  perhaps  it  is  well  ;  when  men  become  rich,  they 
sometimes  forget  that  they  are  Methodists.  I  am  weak,  and 
have  been  busy,  and  am  not  animated  by  the  hope  of  doing 
good  here.  I  have  therefore  been  silent  the  whole  week. 
"  I  must  needs  go  through  Samaria." 

Friday,  24.  There  was  sonic  feeling,  and  profitable  speak- 


96 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1790. 


ing.  We  also  had  a  love-feast.  Next  day,  Saturday,  I  was 
closely  employed  in  writing. 

Sunday,  26.  Many  felt  and  wept,  whilst  I  enlarged  on 
"  The  Lord  is  in  his  holy  temple."  At  the  new  chapel, 
called  Ebenezer,  in  the  afternoon,  my  subject  was  1  Sam.  vii, 
12.  I  first  explained  the  text;  then  showed  the  Methodist 
doctrine  and  discipline,  and  the  work  God  had  wrought  by 
them  in  this  country. 

New-Jeusey. — Monday,  27.  Rode  to  Burlington,  the  place 
appointed  for  our  next  conference.  Here  I  preached  on, 
"  Searching  Jerusalem  with  candles,"  and  it  was  a  searching 
season.  On  Tuesday  night  we  had  a  shout — then  came  the 
bulls  of  Bashan  and  broke  our  windows.  It  was  well  my 
head  escaped  the  violence  of  these  wicked  sinners.  I  hope 
the  strong  power  of  Satan  will  feel  a  shake  this  conference. 
The  session  has  been  in  great  peace  ;  harmony  has  prevailed, 
and  the  council  has  been  unanimously  adopted. 

Wednesday,  29.  We  had  a  love-feast ;  and  a  genuine, 
sweet  melting  ran  through  the  house.  S.  Strattan  stood  up 
and  declared  he  had  followed  the  work  of  God  for  six 
months,  and  that  he  believed  six  hundred  souls  had  professed 
conversion  in  that  time.  There  is  a  most  genuine  work  in 
several  places  ;  viz.,  in  Flanders,  Trenton,  Burlington,  Salem, 
and  Bethel  circuits — glory  to  our  wonder-working  God  !  All 
hail,  eternal  Father,  coequal  Son,  and  everlasting  Spirit,  in 
time  and  forever  !    Amen,  and  Amen  ! ! ! 

I  delivered  a  discourse  on  Psalm  exxii,  6.  On  Fri  lay  I 
rode  through  Cross  Weeks,  and  Allentown,  and  Cranbury, 
lodging  at  Doctor  Jaques's. 

Friday,  October  1.  As  we  could  not  reach  York,  I  stop- 
ped and  gave  them  a  discourse  at  Elizabethtown.  We 
afterward  had  a  safe,  although  a  long  passage,  by  water  to 
New-York  ;  and  found  all  in  peace. 

New-York. — Sunday,  3.  I  preached  at  the  old  church  ; 
and  in  the  afternoon  at  the  new,  on  Matt,  xxv,  31-46.  The 
new  church  is  commodious,  elegant,  yet  plain. 

Monday,  4.  We  began  our  conference,  and  sat  with  close 


Oct.,  1790.]  ASBITRY'S  JOURNAL. 


97 


application  to  business  until  Thursday  morning :  all  was 
peace,  order,  and  unanimity.  On  Thursday  evening  I  re- 
turned to  Elizabethtown. 

Friday,  8.  Rode  twenty-five  miles  to  Trenton,  and  preach- 
ed at  night.  Next  day  I  rode  through  a  heavy  rain  to 
Philadelphia. 

Pennsylvania. — Sunday  morning,  10,  was  rainy.  I 
however  preached  at  St.  George's  church,  and  again  in  the 
evening.  H.  Willis  is  come  hither  to  settle  himself  in  life, 
and  will  probably  go  into  trade.  The  Church  has  thereby 
lost,  in  part,  a  faithful  servant. 

Thursday,  14.  I  left  the  city  ;  dined  at  Chester  ;  and  here 
I  saw  one  whose  soul  was  made  dear  to  me  by  long  ac- 
quaintance, now  feeble  in  body,  and  deeply  affected  in  mind. 
Reached  New  Castle,  in  Delaware,  and  once  more  preached 
there,  and  had  a  few  serious  hearers. 

Delaware. — Friday,  15.  I  did  not  reach  Dickinson's  in 
time ;  however,  I  spoke  a  little.  I  found  sister  Dickinson 
wrapped  in  clay,  whom  I  left  sick  about  three  weeks  ago :  she 
has  been  an  attentive,  devoted  woman,  has  washed  the  saints' 
feet,  and  kindly  served  the  dear  servants  of  God ;  and  I  trust 
her  soul  is  now  in  peace.  I  spoke  a  little  at  Duck  Creek 
Cross  Roads,  where  nearly  thirty  members  have  been  added 
to  the  society  since  last  co*.ference. 

Sunday,  17.  We  had  a  gracious  love-feast,  and  a  very 
powerful  meeting ;  many  bore  a  living  testimony  ;  there  was 
great  life  and  shouting  among  the  people  of  God.  In  the 
evening  I  rode  to  brother  White's. 

Monday,  18.  At  Thomas  White's  my  soul  has  been  made 
to  feel  very  solemn  :  a  view  of  the  remarkable  work  of  God  ; 
the  death  of  some,  and  the  deep  spirituality  of  others ;  the 
sending  out  young  men  for  the  ministry ;  and  the  providing 
for  the  fatherless  and  widows ;  these  are  all  weighty  matters, 
and  greatly  occupied  my  mind.  In  the  midst  of  all  my  soul 
pantcth  after  God. 

Wednesday,  20.  We  rode  twenty  miles  to  Milford  quarterly 
meeting.    They  have  ceiled  the  chapel,  and  put  the  galleries 

Vol.  II.— 5. 


98 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1790. 


in  order ;  and  what  is  still  better,  there  were  many  living  souls 
among  them. 

Thursday,  21.  At  the  love-feast  many  spoke  of  the  dealings 
of  God  with  their  souls.  I  once  more  visited  B.  Williams, 
and  felt  my  soul  powerfully  drawn  out  towards  the  children. 
The  people  are  alive ;  but  I  fear  they  are  not  as  much  en- 
gaged as  they  were  this  time  last  year. 

Friday,  22.  Came  once  more  to  sister  Sharkley's;  now 
my  dear  old  friend  is  gone,  perhaps  the  Gospel  must  go  out 
of  the  house :  I  trust  the  dear  woman  is  gone  to  heaven.  I 
then  visited  the  fatherless  and  the  widow,  (sister  Abbitt :)  I 
felt  sweet  peace,  and  a  solemn  sense  of  the  presence  of  God. 

Saturday,  23.  Came  to  Lewistown.  There  being  no  preach- 
ing appointed,  we  rode  to  the  light-house :  I  could  but  praise 
God  that  the  house  was  kept  by  people  who  praise  and  love 

him ;  no  drinking  or  swearing  here.    Brother  H  is  a 

Christian  and  a  preacher ;  and  God  has  owned  his  labours. 
An  Irish  vessel  had  been  cast  away  with  three  hundred  souls 
on  board,  all  of  whom  perished  but  about  forty  :  I  asked  him 
concerning  it,  and  I  learned  that  they  were  within  sight  of 
land ;  and  that  if  they  had  timely  thrown  themselves  into  the 
sea,  they  were  nigh  enough  the  land  to  have  been  washed 
ashore,  so  that  many  more  would  have  probably  been  saved. 
So  much  for  a  drunken  captain,  who  threw  these  precious 

lives  away.    Brother  H  told  me  that  he  did  not  go  near 

the  wreck  until  after  his  return  from  Lewistown,  with  a  guard  ; 
that  it  was  reported  some  of  the  crew  were  as  ready  to  plun- 
der the  goods  on  board  as  others  :  stricter  laws  are  now  made ; 
and  the  people  on  this  shore  are  greatly  reformed  ;  for  which 
they  may  thank  the  Methodists.  We  have  a  chapel  built  at 
Lewistown ;  and  we  had  an  agreeable  Sabbath  day.  The 
people,  however,  have  their  prejudices.  Mr.  W  ,  a  minis- 
ter of  thirty  or  forty  years'  standing,  has  gone  (since  I  was 
here  last)  to  give  an  account  of  his  stewardship,  as  we  must 
all  shortly  do. 

Tuesday,  2G.  I  preached  at  the  Sound  chapel.  Brother 
Everett  then  spoke  of  the  sin  of  unbelief  as  the  chief  sin  that 


Nov.,  1*790.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


99 


keeps  people  from  the  blessings  of  the  Gospel.  We  adminis- 
tered the  sacrament,  and  in  the  afternoon  rode  to  Buckingham. 
I  rejoiced  in  the  account  brother  Powell  gave  me  of  the  state 
of  religion  at  the  Sound :  he  said  that  the  Lord  had  owned 
and  blest  their  prayer  meetings  ;  that  he  thought  one  hundred 
souls  had  been  affected  and  shaken,  and  perhaps  eighteen  or 
twenty  converted,  in  the  space  of  eighteen  or  twenty  months  ; 
that  brother  Williams,  a  local  deacon,  was  in  the  spirit  of  the 
work — formerly  he  pleased  all  with  his  smooth  speaking,  but 
that  now  they  cry  out  against  him. 

Wednesday,  27.  I  felt  glad  in  my  soul,  notwithstanding 
brother  Lee  is  on  forbidden  ground  ;  and,  in  spite  of  prejudice 
and  Antinomianism,  that  souls  are  awakened  by  his  ministry. 
I  feel  myself  under  some  temptation  ;  but  I  fight  and  conquer 
in  the  strength  of  Christ. 

Thursday,  28.  I  finished  reading  the  second  volume  of  the 
Arminian  Magazine.  Notwithstanding  iis  defects,  I  am  per- 
suaded it  is  one  of  the  best  and  cheapest  books  in  America : 
the  life  of  Mr.  Fletcher,  the  tracts,  letters,  and  sermons  are 
good  ;  the  poetry  might  be  better. 

Saturday,  30.  I  feel  the  weakness  and  infirmities  of  flesh 
and  blood,  having  ridden  seventy  miles  the  two  last  days.  At 
the  quarterly  meeting,  at  Garrettson's,  I  was  unwell,  but  felt 
Divine  assistance  in  preaching. 

Virginia. — Sunday,  31.  We  had  a  powerful  love-feast; 
and  I  believe  it  would  have  been  more  so  had  God's  dear 
children  had  time  to  speak.    We  had  a  vast  crowd  of  people. 

Brother  F  preached  first,  and  I  after  him  :  I  had  a  solemn 

sense  of  God,  and  sinners  were  serious. 

Monday,  November  1.  Preached  at  Accomack  court-house, 
on  Rom.  i,  16.  We  had  a  weighty  season.  A  poor  man,  who 
had  lately  professed  religion,  appeared  to  be  somewhat  dis- 
tracted :  he  has  been  a  vile  sinner ;  but  I  hope  he  will  recover 
his  right  mind  :  the  family  is  subject  to  derangement.  There 
are  some  unreasonable  things  among  the  people  here ;  but  we 
are  afraid  of  gathering  out  the  tares,  lest  we  should  root  up 
the  wheat  also.    We  must  continue  to  observe  the  order  of 


100 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Nov.,  1790. 


God  and  our  own  discipline  ;  attend  to  preaching,  prayer,  class- 
meeting,  and  love-feast :  and  then,  if  they  will  shout,  why  let 
them  shout. 

Wednesday,  3.  I  preached  on  education,  from  "  Come,  ye 
children,  hearken  to  me ;  I  will  teach  you  the  fear  of  the 
Lord."  The  word  was  felt  by  the  parents.  After  preaching 
I  rode  to  Littleton  Long's.  This  neighbourhood  is  supplied 
with  preaching  by  the  Episcopalians,  Presbyterians,  Baptists, 
and  Methodists.    All  is  well,  if  the  people  are  saved. 

Maryland. —  Thursday,  4.  We  had  but  few  hearers,  and 
an  uncomfortable  time,  at  our  quarterly  meeting  in  the  Anna- 
messex  chapel.  Next  day  we  had  a  full  house,  and  I  preached 
on  education  ;  my  text,  "  Train  up  a  child  in  the  way  he  should 
go,  and  when  he  is  old  he  will  not  depart  from  it."  After 
meeting  Ave  rode  eighteen  miles  without  our  dinner,  which, 
with  the  disagreeable  weather,  made  me  sick.  Rode  twenty- 
five  miles  to  Broad  Creek  quarterly  meeting,  and  preached  on 
Matt,  x,  37,  38 ;  and  the  next  day  on  Hosea  vi,  4 — it  was  a 
searching  time.  We  came  off,  and  found  the  wind  blowing 
fiercely  ;  but  when  we  had  entered  the  boat,  we  had  a  sudden 
calm :  if  this  were  not  an  answer  to  prayer,  it  was  as  I  prayed. 
I  reproved  myself  for  a  sudden  and  violent  laugh  at  the  rela- 
tion of  a  man's  having  given  an  old  negro  woman  her  liberty 
because  she  Iiad  too  much  religion  for  him. 

Monday,  8.  We  held  a  quarterly  meeting  in  Dorset,  in  a 
new,  unfinished  house. 

Tuesday,  9.  We  had  a  gracious  love-feast ;  and  I  addressed 
parents  very  seriously,  on  Deut.  vi,  67.  I  lodged  with  brother 
Henry  Ennalls,  who,  with  his  wife,  has  been  powerfully  brought 
to  God  ;  his  slaves  were  freed  immediately.  His  sister,  Nancy 
Bassett,  has  gone  to  rest :  the  other  two  have  followed  the 
example  of  a  dear  brother ;  God  has  heard  their  prayers. 

Wednesday,  10.  I  came  to  Frazier's  chapel :  my  spirits 
were  very  low ;  and  I  felt  that  there  was  death  amongst  the 
people. 

Thursday,  11.  Our  love-feast  was  living  and  powerful.  I 
have  seen  a  wonder  of  grace  in  Capt.  B  :  this  has  been 


Dec,  1790.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


101 


the  wish  of  my  heart,  the  desire  of  my  soul,  and  the  answer 
to  prayer ;  for  which  I  am  thankful  to  God. 

Friday,  12.  I  preached  at  Bolingbroke  to  a  full  house,  on 
Ephraim's  mixing  himself  among  the  people. 

Saturday,  13.  We  had  a  gracious  season  at  the  love-feast. 
In  the  evening  I  came  to  Allen's.  The  next  day,  being  rainy, 
we  had  but  one  hundred  hearers  at  Tuckahoe ;  whereas,  we 
expected  that,  had  it  been  a  clear  day,  we  should  have  five 
or  six  hundred.  I  preached  in  the  evening  at  Choptank  Bridge 
to  a  few  people. 

Monday,  15.  I  see  the  wonders  of  grace;  and  have  had 
severe  conflicts  :  my  soul  is  more  and  more  established  in  God ; 
but  so  many  persons  and  things  occupy  my  time,  that  I  have 
not  as  much  leisure  and  opportunity  for  prayer  and  communion 
with  God,  and  for  drinking  into  the  Holy  Spirit  of  life  and 
love  as  I  could  wish.  We  had  a  seasonable  time  at  brother 
White's :  I  was  very  pointed  on  2  Peter  ii,  9.  Perhaps  I 
have  spoken  my  last  admonition  to  some  who  were  present. 

Thursday,  1 8.  Rode  to  Dover  ;  and  next  clay  we  had  quar- 
terly meeting  at  Dudley's  chapel. 

Saturday,  20.  At  Duck  Creek  Cross  Roads  a  spirit  of 
prayer  prevails  amongst  the  people,  and  God  is  with  them. 

Sunday,  21.  At  Cecil  quarterly  meeting,  held  at  Dickin- 
son's, we  had  many  people,  and  some  life.  On  Monday  I 
rode  to  Dr.  Clayton's ;  and  next  day  to  Coke&bury,  where  I 
continued  until  Monday  the  29th.  We  then  examined  the 
students  relatively  to  learning  and  religion,  paid  debts,  and 
put  matters  in  better  order.  We  have  forty-five  boys.  The 
charitable  subscriptions  to  the  establishment  amount  to  £300 
per  annum. 

December  1.  The  council  was  seated  in  Philip  Rogers's 
chamber,  in  Baltimore.  After  some  explanation,  we  all  agreed 
that  we  had  a  right  to  manage  the  temporal  concerns  of  the 
Church  and  college  decisively  ;  and  to  recommend  to  the  con- 
ferences, for  ratification,  whatever  we  judged  might  be  advan- 
tageous to  the  spiritual  well-being  of  the  whole  body.  For 
the  sake  of  union,  we  declined  sending  out  any  reeommenda- 


102 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Dec,  1790. 


tory  propositions :  we  had  great  peace  and  union  in  all  our 
labours.    What  we  have  done,  the  minutes  will  show. 

Sunday,  5.  I  preached  a  funeral  discourse  on  the  death  of 
Mrs.  Murray,  on  2  Cor.  xv,  29-31 :  it  was,  I  hope,  not  alto- 
gether in  vain.  In  the  afternoon  I  preached  in  Mr.  Otterhine's 
church.  I  have  kept  no  journal  during  the  sitting  of  the  coun- 
cil :  I  enjoy  peace  of  soul,  but  such  a  variety  of  persons  and 
subjects  agitates  my  poor  mind.  Lord,  keep  me  in  perfect 
peace ! 

Thursday,  9.  The  council  rose  after  advising  a  loan  of 
£1,000,  payable  in  two  years,  for  Cokcsbury ;  and  giving 
directions  for  proper  books  to  be  printed. 

Friday,  10.  I  left  Baltimore,  and  reached  my  old  friend, 
S.  Turner's  :  the  girls,  who  were  babes  when  I  first  visited 
this  house,  are  now  grown  up,  and,  I  trust,  possess  re- 
ligion. 

Virginia. — Saturday,  11.  We  rode  through  heavy  rain  to 
Alexandria,  in  Virginia. 

Sunday,  12.  I  preached  morning  and  evening;  but  the 
streets  being  muddy,  and  but  few  friends  attending  from  the 
country,  we  had  a  thin  congregation. 

Monday,  13.  We  set  out  for  Stafford.  The  weather  being 
uncomfortable,  and  the  roads  deep,  we  turned  in  at  twenty 
miles,  to  Mr.  Dawning's,  who  treated  us  kindly. 

Tuesday,  14.  We  hasted  to  Mrs.  Waller's,  where  we  found 
a  few  people,  to  whom  I  spoke  on  Rom.  ii,  7-9.  Finding 
Tommy  (a  son  of  Mrs.  W.'s)  had  genius,  I  gave  him  a  pass 
to  Cokcsbury :  it  may  be  that  he  may  serve  himself,  his 
family,  and  his  country.    O  that  he  may  serve  his  God  ! 

Wednesday,  15.  Came  to  King  George  ;  and,  cold  as  it  was, 
I  found  nearly  one  hundred  people  had  assembled  at  the 
widow  Bomby's. 

Saturday,  18.  Attended  the  quarterly-meeting  at  brother 
Edwards's  :  the  weather  was  extremely  cold,  and  we  had  but 
few  hearers. 

Sunday,  19.  After  preaching  at  the  quarterly-meeting,  [ 
visited  Counsellor  Carter;  and  spent  the  evening  in  much 


Dec,  1790.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


103 


peace  and  love :  he  has  the  manners  of  a  gentleman,  the  at- 
tainments of  a  scholar,  and  the  experience  of  a  Christian. 

Monday,  20.  The  weather  softening,  I  made  haste  to  get 

across  the  Rappahannock,  and  reached  brother  B  's,  about 

twenty-five  miles  :  I  found  myself  much  chilled  by  my  ride. 
My  soul  has  been  kept  in  great  peace ;  and  almost  in  con- 
stant prayer :  I  wish  to  feel  so  placid  as  not  to  have  any  acid 
in  my  temper,  nor  a  frown  or  winkle  on  my  brow  ;  to  bear 
all  things,  do  all  things,  suffer  all  things,  from  the  ignorance  or 
weakness  of  the  children  of  God,  or  the  wickedness  of  the 
sons  and  daughters  of  Satan.  I  think  my  soul  momently 
pants  after  more  of  God. 

Thursday,  23.  I  preached  at  brother  C  s  ;  and  was 

very  pointed :  I  hope  it  will  have  the  good  effect  of  prevent- 
ing the  sin  and  vanity  that  too  often  prevail  at  Christmas. 

Friday,  24.  Came  to  the  widow  Clayton's ;  where  there 
has  been  a  work  of  God:  I  preached  with  liberty,  from, 
"Put  ye  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  make  no  provision 
for  the  flesh  to  fulfil  the  lusts  thereof."  I  cautioned  the 
people  against  the  sins  of  the  times. 

Christmas  day.  I  had  thirty  miles  to  Hanover.  William 
Glendcnning  began  before  I  came  ;  when  he  had  done,  I  went 
into  the  tavern-keeper's  porch  ;  but  I  afterward  judged  it 
best  to  withdraw,  and  speak  in  another  place.  I  stood  in  the 
door  of  a  public-house,  and  with  about  half  of  my  congrega- 
tion out  of  doors,  preached  on,  "  Behold,  I  bring  you  good 
tidings  of  great  joy :"  the  people  behaved  exceedingly  well ; 
and  the  town  was  very  still. 

Sunday,  26.  I  had  a  large  congregation  at  Newcastle,  to 
whom  I  spoke  on,  "  Thou  shalt  call  his  name  Jesus  ;  for  he 
shall  save  his  people  from  their  sins."  William  Glendcnning 
spoke  after  me :  I  am  clear  he  is  not  right  in  his  head  or 
heart,  and  am  therefore  resolved  he  shall  speak  no  more  at 
my  appointments. 

Monday,  21.  Preached  at  Colonel  Clayton's.  The  people 
hereabouts  are  wealthy,  and  few  attend  preaching  ;  never- 
theless, I  was  favoured  with  their  company,  and  had  great 


104 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1791. 


liberty  and  sweetness  in  speaking  to  them  :  I  feel  as  if  God 
would  yet  work  among  them.  It  was  in  this  neighbourhood 
I  was  laid  up  four  years  ago. 

Tuesday,  28.  I  had  many  people  at  the  widow  A  s  ; 

but  they  did  not  appear  to  be  in  a  good  frame  to  receive  in- 
struction :  their  Christmas  company ;  sinful,  worldly  joy ; 
full  feeding ;  together  with  the  severity  of  the  weather — all 
appeared  to  make  against  a  profitable  meeting. 

Wednesday,  29.  Preached  in  James  City — crowded  with 
company.  I  was  informed  of  some  painful  circumstances  re- 
lative to  our  dissatisfied  brethren :  I  leave  these  things  to 
God,  who  will  bring  all  things  to  light.  Contrary  to  my  ex- 
pectations, I  found  there  was  an  appointment  made  for  me 
to  preach  in  Williamsburg,  being  the  day  I  had  intended  to 
cross  the  river. 

Thursday,  30.  I  preached  in  the  city  of  Williamsburg, 
according  to  appointment :  I  felt  much  liberty  ;  and  had  some 
hope  that  Providence  was  about  to  open  the  way  for  a  work 
in  this  place. 

Friday,  31.  I  came  on  to  the  ferry,  chilled  with  the  cold. 
We  had  to  ride  seven  miles  ;  the  wind  was  high  about  the 
time  we  embarked ;  presently  a  snow  storm  came  on ;  and 
although  wind  and  tide  were  in  our  favour,  we  had  rough 
work  in  crossing.  Our  horses  were  smooth,  the  bottom  of 
the  boat  icy,  so  that  it  was  with  difficulty  they  could  keep 
their  feet ;  however,  kind  Providence  brought  us  safe  to  Cob- 
ham,  whence  we  hasted  along  to  brother  M  's,  and  found 

brother  Paup  speaking,  and  the  people  shouting.  I  preached 
on  Ephes.  v,  17-19.  I  afterward  had  an  interview  with  bro- 
ther Paup,  and  a  more  full  account  of  matters  relative  to  our 
disaffected  brethren.  Thence  I  rode  on  to  brother  Blunt's  ; 
but  there  were  none  to  preach  to. 

Sunday,  January  2,  1791.  Notwithstanding  the  snow  was 
deep,  we  rode  to  brother  Cowling's.  Few  people  attended  ; 
but  we  had  a  comfortable  meeting,  especially  at  the  sacra- 
ment. 

Monday,  3.  We  rode  hard  to  get  to  Craney  Island,  and 


Jan.,  1791.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


105 


came  within  three  miles  by  two  o'clock  ;  the  people  being  dis- 
persed, we  came  back  to  brother  Joliff's. 

Tuesday,  4.  I  had  a  few  to  hear,  to  whom  I  spoke  on 

Rom.  xiii,  11.    I  engaged  R.  I  ,  as  a  French  teacher  for 

Cokesbury. 

Wednesday,  5.  We  had  a  blessed  time  at  Norfolk,  whilst 
I  applied  Zech.  xii,  10.  Many  praised  the  Lord  aloud.  I 
was  closely  employed  until  the  moment  I  left  town.  I  find 
the  Lord  has  wrought  in  Norfolk,  Portsmouth,  and  the  coun- 
try round  about. 

North  Carolina. —  Thursday,  G.  I  did  not  reach  chapel 
until  three  o'clock.  Next  day  I  reached  Colonel  Williams's, 
Currituck,  North  Carolina.  Here  we  had  a  quickening  time. 
I  possess  peace  of  mind ;  and  feel  no  murmuring  nor  discon- 
tent. My  horse  is  very  lame,  and  the  roads  in  this  country 
are  very  deep. 

Saturday,  8.    After  preaching  at  B  's,  I  hasted  to 

S  's  ferry,  on  Pasquotank  River,  where  I  waited  about 

three  hours.  The  negroes  were  dancing.  I  stayed  behind 
until  all  the  company  were  over,  and  then  crossed  about  eight 
o'clock  ;  and  about  nine,  reached  brother  P  s. 

Sunday,  9.  Preached  at  New-begun  church  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  at  Nixonton  in  the  evening,  in  the  court-house,  Avhich 
was  nearly  filled. 

Tuesday,  11.  Yesterday  I  rode  to  brother  B  's,  within 

five  miles  of  Gates  court-house.  My  fare  is  sometimes  poor, 
my  rides  are  long,  my  horse  is  lame  ;  yet,  while  Christ  is 
mine,  I  feel  nothing  like  murmuring  or  discontent.  I  have 
passed  through  Winton,  Wicocon,  Campbell,  and  Hardy 
counties,  preaching  as  I  journeyed,  and  found  a  few  living 
souls. 

Sunday,  10.  Came  to  Gardener's,  to  quarterly-meeting, 
where  I  enlarged  on  Peter's  fall,  and  it  was  a  serious,  power- 
ful meeting. 

I  thence  rode  to  our  late  brother  F  's,  whose  funeral 

rites  I  performed.    Although  the  weather  was  cold,  the  con- 
gregation was  large.    I  was  importuned  to  visit  the  town  ; 
5* 


106 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1791. 


but  found  there  were  but  few  who  really  wished  me  to  go. 
I  however  went,  and  preached  to  them  at  candle-light,  and 
many  of  them  laughed  at  the  foolish  old  prophet.  Perhaps, 
when  I  next  come  to  see  them,  they  will  be  more  serious. 
Thence  we  hastened  to  brother  Jones's,  whose  wife  lately  de- 
parted this  life  in  the  full  triumph  of  faith — and  his  son  is 
engaged  in  horse-racing.    This  brought  to  my  mind  young 

P  ;  who,  after  the  death  of  his  pious  father,  turned  away 

the  preachers,  and  sinned  with  a  high  hand ;  but  the  Lord 
followed  him  ;  and  after  he  had  spent  a  good  deal  of  the 
substance  left  him  by  his  father,  he  was  made  a  happy  sub- 
ject of  the  grace  of  God.  I  will  not  give  up  all  hope  for 
young  Jones. 

Saturday,  22.  Crossed  Neuse  River,  at  Smith's  ferry,  and 
came  to  the  dwelling  of  the  late  Gen.  Hardy  Bryan — a  man 
I  had  often  heard  of,  and  wished  to  see  ;  but  death,  swift  and 

sudden,  reached  the  house  before  me.    His  son  H  died 

the  18th  of  last  November ;  his  daughter  Mary,  December 
28th  ;  and  himself  the  10th  instant:  each  of  them  feared  the 
Lord,  and  were  happy  souls.  I  felt  strangely  unwilling  to 
believe  the  General  was  dead,  until  I  could  no  longer  doubt 
it :  at  the  grave-yard  I  had  very  solemn  feelings — there  was 
some  melting  among  the  people  whilst  I  enlarged  on  Psalm 
xii,  1. 

Sunday,  23.  T  had  very  great  opening  on  1  Thess.  iv, 
13,  14.  It  was  on  the  occasion  of  the  late  lamented  deaths. 
Surely  this  is  loud  preaching — it  is  one  of  the  most  awakening 
scenes  of  my  life :  how  soon  were  these  dear  souls  justified, 
sanctified,  and  called  home  to  glory !  Hail,  happy  dead  ! — 
We  toil  below,  but  hope,  ere  long,  with  you  to  sing  God's 
praise  above.  Lord,  help  us  to  improve  this  providence,  and 
always  be  looking  and  longing  for  glory  ! 

Monday,  24.  I  had  a  most  dreary  ride  to  Trenton  :  (Jones 
court-house)  here  I  met  with  Lewis  Bryan,  brother  to  the 
late  General : — his  heart  and  house  are  open.  After  getting 
some  refreshment  we  went  to  the  chapel,  where  I  preached 
with  great  freedom  :  there  were  brethren  present  who  came 


Feb.,  1791.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


107 


to  meet  us  from  a  great  distance.    In  the  evening,  brothers 

C  ,  and  L  ,  and  A  ,  held  meeting. 

Tuesday,  25.  I  preached  at  Lee's  chapel.  There  is  a  very 
great  change  for  the  better  since  I  was  here  three  years  ago : 
they  have  now  built  a  very  decent  house  for  worship.  I 
was  unwell  in  my  body,  but  happy  in  my  God,  and  resigned 
to  his  will. 

Wednesday,  26.  Preached  to  a  large  congregation  at  bro- 
ther D  's,  on  White-Oak  River.  I  baptized  and  admin- 
istered the  sacrament.    After  dinner  I  rode  twelve  miles  to 

L  's,  and  found  the  people  waiting:  about  six  we  began 

exhortation  and  prayer,  and  about  midnight  laid  ourselves 
down  to  rest. 

Thursday,  27.  I  had  many  to  hear  at  Swansbury;  the 
people  were  attentive.  0  that  God  may  bless  his  word  to 
them !  Surely,  all  shall  not  be  in  vain.  I  returned  to  bro- 
ther T  's,  a  mile  out  of  town ;  but  the  people  found 

where  I  was  and  came  out.  Sometimes  I  am  tried  when  I 
cannot  enjoy  my  hours  of  retirement ;  but  we  must  bear  all 
tilings,  if  thereby  Ave  may  do  good,  and  gain  the  more  souls 
to  Christ. 

Friday,  28.  We  rode  sixteen  miles  to  an  old  chapel  on  the 
Avay  to  Richland's ;  the  people  and  myself  suffered  from  the 
weather ;  however,  I  spoke  a  little,  and  administered  the  sa- 
erament ;  after  which,  I  rode,  cold  and  hungry,  sixteen  miles 
more  to  brother  C.  Ballard's. 

Sunday,  30.  The  truth  was  delivered  sharply  and  point- 
edly ;  but  the  people  were  wild  and  unfeeling. 

Tuesday,  February  1.  I  had  a  large  congregation  at  the 
Sand-Hills.  Feeling  myself  enlarged  in  spirit,  although  weak 
in  body,  I  entered  very  extensively  into  the  nature  and  excel- 
lencies of  the  Gospel.    We  administered  the  Lord's  supper, 

and  had  a  shaking  among  the  people :  brothers  L  and 

B          were  there,  and  we  rejoiced  in  the  Lord  together. 

We  were  honoured  with  a  little  cabin  at  a  distance  from  the 
other  houses  about  eight  feet  wide  and  nine  feet  long,  and 
were  as  happy  as  princes  in  a  jialace. 


108 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Feb.,  1791. 


Wednesday,  2.  We  had  our  difficulties  in  getting  along  an 

unknown  path.    Arrived  at  De  V  's  ford ;  we  met  with 

a  very  kind  man,  who  gave  us  and  our  baggage  a  passage  on 
a  broken  canoe ;  then  led  us  part  of  our  way,  and  sent  a 
servant  to  conduct  us  on.  We  reached  Anderson's  about 
two  o'clock,  and  found  many  people  waiting  ;  but  they  ap- 
peared to  be  unfeeling.  We  were  most  kindly  treated.  The 
people  are  about  to  settle  a  newly-introduced  minister ;  so 
we  may  go  off  for  a  year  or  two,  and  by  that  time  the  way 
may  be  open  for  our  return.  I  am  charged  with  dreadful 
things  about  the  council ;  but  I  believe  the  Lord  will  make  it 
appear  where  the  mischief  lies. 

Crossed  Cape  Fear  River,  and  rode  thirty  miles  to  sister 
Turner's.  Here  I  spoke  to  some  assembled  people,  some  of 
whom  felt,  and  my  labour  was  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord.  My 
own  soul  was  blessed.  I  was  awfully  impressed  with  the 
conviction  that  the  interests  of  religion  had  been  injured  by 
backsliders  and  loose  walkers. 

Saturday,  5.  We  had  many  at  the  quarterly  meeting  for 
that  part  of  the  country.  My  subject  was :  "  And  Peter 
went  out  and  wept  bitterly." 

Sunday,  6.  We  had  a  little  melting  among  the  people  at 
noon,  and  in  the  evening.  Ah  !  my  God,  how  few  there  are 
who  truly  love  thee  ! 

Monday,  7.  Rode  to  Lockwood's  Folly,  and  preached  at 
Charlotte  River  to  not  less  than  one  hundred  people  ;  a  vast 
congregation  for  so  lonely  a  part  of  the  world.  The  soil  is 
very  barren,  and  the  country,  consequently,  but  thinly  set- 
tled. We  were  recommended,  for  lodging,  to  a  certain 
squire's  ;  but  Providence  so  ordered  it,  that  we  came  to  a 
simple-hearted  brother  S  's,  where  we  were  kindly  re- 
ceived, and  abundantly  supplied  with  everything  necessary 
for  man  and  horse.  As  our  time  would  admit,  I  was  dis- 
posed to  indulge  a  desire  I  had  of  going  by  Pyraway,  about 
twelve  miles  distant.  We  crossed  Wacamaw  River :  it  is 
about  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  wide  :  our  horses  ferried 
themselves  over  by  swimming.    I  preached  in  the  evening  on 


Feb.,  1791.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


109 


"  The  Son  of  Man  is  come  to  seek  and  to  save  that  which 
was  lost." 

South-Carolina. — Tuesday,  8.  We  came  a  long,  dreary 

way,  missed  our  road,  and  at  last  reached  brother  S  's  ;  a 

distance  of  twenty-five  miles,  which  our  wandering  made 
thirty  miles.  I  rejoice  to  find  that  this  desert  country  has 
gracious  souls  in  it.  0  how  great  the  change  in  the  flight  of 
six  years  !  We  have  now  many  friends,  and  some  precious 
souls  converted  to  God.  Glory  be  to  the  Lord  most  high  !  I 
feel  power  to  bear  all  things,  and  leave  events  to  God.  The 
misconduct  of  other  men  is  my  grief,  but  not  my  sin ;  so  I 
will  trust  God  with  his  own  cause. 

Friday,  11.  We  set  out  for  Black  River,  from  about  six 
miles  above  Kingston,  having  Bull  Run,  Bramble  Island,  and 
great  Pce-Dee  to  cross.    Reaching  Black  River,  we  were 

compelled  to  turn  aside  to  Mr.  S  's  rice  plantation,  where 

we  procui-ed  provender  for  our  horses,  and  breakfasted  on 
our  own  tea. 

Saturday,  12.  Came  to  Georgetown  through  the  rain — 
felt  myself  unwell  and  very  low  in  spirits. 

Sunday,  13.  I  preached  a  plain,  searching  sermon  ;  and 
some  felt  the  word  :  but  it  is  a  day  of  small  things.  In  the 
afternoon  I  enlarged  on,  "  How  shall  I  give  thee  up,  O 
Ephraim  ?"  The  wicked  youths  were  playing  without,  and 
inattention  prevailed  amongst  those  within.  I  was,  and  con- 
tinued to  be,  under  great  dejection  during  my  stay. 

Monday,  14.  Rode  forty-five  miles  to  brother  Sinclair  Ca- 
pers's,  under  depression  of  spirits ;  and  here  I  received 
letters  not  at  all  calculated  to  relieve  me. 

Charleston,  Tuesday,  15.  I  went  to  church  under  awful 
distress  of  heart.  My  drooping  spirits  were  somewhat  re- 
vived in  the  house  of  God.    We  grow  here  but  slowly. 

Thursday,  17.  I  had  a  small  congregation  of  whites.  I 
feel  the  want  of  religion  here  :  indeed,  the  gross  immoralities 
of  the  place  are  obvious  to  every  passenger  in  the  streets. 

I  learn  that  in  Georgia  preachers  of  other  denominations 
have  had  high  disputes  with  ours.    I  am  clear  that  contro- 


1  10 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Mar.,  1791. 


versy  should  be  avoided  ;  because  we  have  better  work  to  do, 
and  because  it  is  too  common  that  when  debates  run  high, 
there  are  wrong  words  and  tempers  indulged  on  both  sides. 

Sunday,  20.  I  read  prayers  in  the  morning,  and  brother 
Ellis  preached.  In  the  afternoon  brother  Askew  preached 
his  farewell  sermon  ;  and  at  night  I  was  very  pointed  to 
young  people,  on,  "  Remember  now  thy  Creator  in  the  days 
of  thy  youth,"  <fec. 

Wed?iesday,  23.  Long-looked-for  Doctor  Coke  came  to 
town  :  he  had  been  shipwrecked  off  Edisto.  I  found  the 
Doctor's  sentiments,  with  regard  to  the  council,  quite  changed. 
James  O'Kelly's  letters  had  reached  London.  I  felt  per- 
fectly calm,  and  acceded  to  a  general  conference,  for  the 
sake  of  peace. 

Sunday,  27.  Doctor  Coke  preached  to  a  veiy  large  au- 
dience in  the  evening :  the  poor  sinners  appeared  to  be  a  little 
tamed.  I  was  much  blessed  in  meeting  the  married  and  sin- 
gle men  apart.  I  also  met  the  married  and  single  women.  I 
trust  there  has  been  good  done  in  Charleston  this  conference. 
I  want  to  be  gone  into  the  country  to  enjoy  sweet  solitude 
and  prayer.  I  have  been  reading  three  hundred  pages  of 
Taylor's  sermons,  where  I  find  many  instructing  glosses  on 
the  Scriptures. 

Tuesday,  March  1.  At  night  I  made  my  last  effort  for  this 
time  ;  and  the  people  were  more  attentive.  I  let  out  freely 
against  the  races.  I  am  somewhat  distressed  at  the  uneasi- 
ness of  our  people,  who  claim  a  right  to  choose  their  own 
preachers  ;  a  thing  quite  new  amongst  Methodists.  None 
but  Mr.  Hammett  will  do  for  them.  We  shall  sec  how  it 
will  end. 

Wednesday,  2.  I  left  the  city,  something  grieved  in  mind. 
I  crossed  the  toll-bridge  over  Ashley  River ;  came  to  Jack- 
sonsborough,  and  lodged  at  Bonham's. 

Thursday,  3.  Came  to  Allen's  tavern.  My  host  (a  York- 
shireman)  and  his  wife,  are  attentive,  obliging,  and  cleanly  : 
they  want  nothing  but  religion  to  make  them  superior,  in 
their  way,  to  almost  any  I  bavc  met  with  in  America.    I  pro- 


Mar.,  1791.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


Ill 


ceeded  on  to  the  Salt  Ketchers  ;  and  thence  to  Coosanhatchie, 
where  I  was  kindly  entertained  by  Mr.  Lambrights. 

Friday,  4.  I  had  a  very  well-dressed,  serious,  attentive 
congregation,  at  the  district  court-house.  I  had  not  much 
liberty  ;  however,  I*  endeavoured  to  speak  plainly  on,  "  God- 
liness is  profitable,"  <fcc.  An  attentive,  pious,  old  man  thanked 
me  for  my  discourse. 

Our  horses  are  much  hurt  by  long  rides,  having  travelled 
one  hundred  miles  in  two  days. 

Saturday,  5.  I  read,  critically,  Mrs.  Rowe's  Devout  Ex- 
ercises of  the  Heart.  I  wrote  nearly  twenty  pages  to  Doctor 
Coke  on  the  concerns  of  the  Church. 

Sunday,  6.  Notwithstanding  the  heavy  rain,  we  had  many 
to  hear  at  brother  Stafford's ;  where  I  enforced,  "  Let  this 
mind  be  in  you  which  was  also  in  Christ  Jesus." 

Georgia. — Monday,  7.  I  preached  at  Hudson's  ferry  with 
some  freedom  ;  but  the  people  appeared  wild  and  stupid.  I 
was  alarmed  at  hearing  a  man  talking  large  and  loud,  think- 
ing he  was  drunk,  and  would  come  in  and  disturb  the 
congregation  ;  but  he  was,*as  I  afterwards  learned,  an  Anti- 

nomian.    I  came,  in  a  heavy  storm,  to  brother  H  's.  This 

day  I  passed  Savannah  Swamp,  parts  of  which  are  not  unlike 
the  Santee  and  Kentucky  lands. 

Tuesday,  8.  We  had   nearly  four   hundred    people  at 

R  's  ;  and  I  trust  the  Lord,  in  some  good  degree,  breathed 

upon  the  souls  present.  We  then  rode  sixteen  miles,  and 
had  a  comfortable  evening  exercise  at  brother  R  's. 

Wednesday,  9.   Preached  at  an  old  church.    I  was  much 

fatigued,  and  felt  unwell.    At  the  invitation  of  Mr.  C  ,  1 

came  to  Waynesborough.  1  lodged  with  Mr.  Heniy,  a  Jew. 
We  read  Hebrew  part  of  the  night,  and  I  should  have  been 
pleased  to  have  spent  the  night  thus  occupied  with  so  good  a 
scholar. 

Thursday,  10.   I  preached  at  C  's  church.    My  body 

was  wearied  with  labour  and  want  of  sleep. 

Sunday,  13.  Came  to  Georgetown  at  Ogechee  Shoals,  and 
found  Satan  was  there.    I  levelled  away  on  the  parable  of  the 


112 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Apr., 


sower.    I  came  to  brother  H  's.    Heard  heavy  tidings. 

My  soul  is  calm.  Let  the  Lord  look  to  his  own  house.  I 
hasted  to  Scott's.  Doctor  Coke  came  in  time  enough  to 
preach  ;  and  then  we  opened  a  conference. 

We  sat  very  closely  to  our  work ;  and  had  some  matters 
of  moment  to  attend  to  in  the  course  of  our  deliberations.  I 
have  ridden  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  miles  in  Georgia, 
and  find  the  work,  in  general,  very  dead.  The  peace  with  the 
Creek  Indians,  the  settlement  of  new  lands,  good  trade,  buy- 
ing slaves,  &c,  take  up  the  attention  of  the  people. 

Sunday,  20.  There  was  a  shaking  amongst  the  people 
whilst  I  spoke  on  Rom.  x,  21. 

South  Carolina. — After  meeting,  I  came  away,  and  rode 
twenty  miles  to  brother  Herbert's  that  evening. 

Whilst  Doctor  Coke  stayed  behind  to  preach  at  Ninety-six 
Town,  I  came  on  and  made  an  appointment  and  preached  at 
Finche's  ;  and  some,  I  know,  felt  the  word. 

Wednesday,  23.  We  crossed  the  Ennoree,  Tyger,  and  Broad 
Eivers. 

Saturday,  26.  We  had  white  fnd  red  Indians  at  Catawba ; 
the  Doctor  and  myself  both  preached.  I  had  some  conver- 
sation with  the  chiefs  of  the  Indians  about  keeping  up  the 
school  we  have  been  endeavouring  to  establish  amongst  them. 
I  asked  for  one  of  their  children ;  but  the  father  would  not 
give  consent,  nor  would  the  child  come.  My  body  is  weak ; 
but  my  mind  has  heaven  and  peace  within.  We  closely  em- 
ployed our  intervals  of  leisure  in  preparing  different  tracts  for 
the  press. 

Lord's  day,  27.  We  found  the  people  insensible  at  the  Wax- 
saws  church  :  some  few  seemed  alarmed  whilst  Isa.  xxxiii,  14 
was  opened  and  enforced. 

Wednesday,  30.  We  came  to  Salisbury  :  I  felt  unwell,  and 
no  freedom  to  speak.    Doctor  Coke  gave  them  a  sermon,  and 

we  then  rode  five  miles  to  B  's.    Next  day  we  reached 

Jones's;  and  the  day  after  {first  of  April)  M'Knight's,  where 
we  opened  conference  in  great  peace.  Many  of  the  preachers 
related  their  experience,  and  it  was  a  blessed  season  of  grace. 


Apr.,  1791.]  ASBURT'S  JOURNAL. 


113 


Monday,  4.  We  rose,  after  sitting  each  night  (Sabbath  ex- 
cepted) until  twelve  o'clock.  Several  of  our  brethren  express- 
ed something  like  the  perfect  love  of  God,  but  they  had  doubts 
about  their  having  retained  it. 

Tuesday,  5.  We  rested  awhile  at  Salem  on  our  way,  and 

came  in  the  evening  to  brother  W  's,  and  had  a  meeting 

there.  I  believe  trouble  is  at  hand  :  but  I  trust  God  with 
his  cause,  and  Christ  with  his  Church.  My  soul  drinks  into 
holiness. 

Friday,  8,  I  observed  as  a  day  of  abstinence  and  prayer, 
reading  and  meditation.  0  for  more  of  heaven !  Poor  Min- 
ters's  case  has  given  occasion  for  sinners  and  for  the  world  to 
laugh,  and  talk,  and  write. 

Saturday,  9.  We  had  a  large  congregation  at  A  's ;  I 

felt  life  in  speaking,  although  weak  and  weary  in  body.  We 
rode  seven  miles  to  the  banks  of  Dan  River,  but  knew  not 
where  to  cross.  At  length  we  came  to  the  Fishery,  crossed 
in  a  canoe,  and  walked  two  miles,  in  the  night,  to  T.  Harrison's  : 
thus  ended  the  labours  of  the  day. 

Virginia. — Sunday,  10.  Doctor  Coke  and  myself  both 
preached  at  Watson's  church  ;  and  there  was  some  little  effect 
produced.  I  spent  the  evening  with  George  Adams,  a  true 
son  of  his  worthy  father,  Silvanus  Adams,  for  kindness  to  the 
preachers.  I  am  constantly  weak  and  feverish  in  body ;  but 
my  soul  is  uncommonly  happy  and  calm.  We  moved  from  G. 
Adams's  to  the  widow  Dicks's ;  and  thence,  next  day,  to  bro- 
ther Marten's. 

Wednesday,  13.  Came  to  Difficult  church,  where  we  were 
honoured  with  the  company  of  some  of  the  great :  the  Doctor 
preached  a  noble  sermon  on  the  Divinity  of  Christ;  and  I 
urged,  "  It  is  time  to  seek  the  Lord."  Afterward  we  preached 
in  Charlotte  and  Mecklenburg;  and  on  Sunday  following 
came  to  quarterly  meeting  at  sister  Walker's,  in  Bruns- 
wick. Doctor  Coke  went  to  the  barn  ;  and  I  preached  in  the 
house :  the  rain  rendered  our  meeting  uncomfortable. 

Monday,  18.  Near  Dinwiddie  court-house  I  waited,  it  being 
the  day  of  the  election,  until  our  brethren  returned  from  the 


114 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.          [Apr.,  1791. 


court-house,  and  then  preached  in  the  new  church  on  2  Cor. 
vi,  17,  18. 

Tuesday,  19.  We  rode  to  Petersburg.  We  agreed  to  take 
different  lodgings  during  the  sitting  of  the  conference — the 
Doctor  at  brother  Davis's,  and  myself  at  brother  Harding's. 

Wednesday,  20.  I  preached  on  "  Our  light  afflictions  which 
are  but  for  a  moment,"  &c. ;  and  there  was  some  warmth 
amongst  the  preachers  and  people.  The  business  of  our  con- 
ference was  brought  on  in  peace ;  and  there  was  a  blessing 
attended  our  speaking  on  our  experiences,  and  in  prayer.  The 
affair  of  the  council  was  suspended  until  a  general  conference. 

Friday,  22.  Late  in  the  evening  our  conference  rose. 

Saturday,  23.  I  preached  at  E.  West's,  to  a  large  congre- 
gation :  and  had  a  little  spring  of  power. 

Sunday,  24.  Came  to -Colonel  Clayton's  ;  who  was  very  ill. 
We  had  a  large  collection  of  people,  and  a  good  meeting :  we 
were  to  have  held  our  conference  at  the  Colonel's,  but  his  ill- 
ness prevented.  We  sat  at  his  son,  B.  Clayton's ;  and  were 
amply  provided  for :  the  son  is  not  a  member ;  but  he  was 
very  kind. 

Monday,  25.  Doctor  Coke  and  brother  I.  Ellis  preached ; 
and  there  was  some  power  attended  the  word.  I  found  the 
Doctor  had  much  changed  his  sentiments  since  his  last  visit 
to  this  continent;  and  that  these  impressions  still  continued. 
I  hope  to  be  enabled  to  give  up  all  I  dare  for  peace'  sake ;  and 
to  please  all  men  for  their  good  to  edification. 

We  hastened  our  business ;  and  on  Tuesday,  twenty-sixth, 
came  to  New-Castle :  here  I  preached  on  "  How  often  would 
I  have  gathered  thy  children  together  as  a  hen  gathereth  her 
brood  under  her  wings,  and  ye  would  not :"  I  have  no  doubt 
but  the  people  felt  the  word.  We  came  on  to  Hanover  Town  ; 
where  the  Doctor  preached  in  the  afternoon. 

Wednesday,  27.  We  rode  thirty  miles  to  the  widow  Col- 
lins's,  Caroline  county,  much  wearied  in  body,  but  greatly 
comforted  in  God. 

Thursday,  28.  At  eleven  o'clock,  at  Pope's  chapel,  the 
Doctor  preached  on,  "  Pray  without  ceasing."    Myself,  on, 


Apr.,  1791.]  ASBUllY'S  JOURNAL. 


1 1 5 


"  ^7  grace  are  ye  saved,  through  faith  :"  I  was  long  and  very 
close.  We  hasted  to  Port  Royal,  where  a  number  of  fine 
people  were  waiting,  to  whom  the  Doctor  preached  on,  "  Ye 
are  dead,  and  your  life  is  hid  with  Christ  in  God :"  they  ex- 
pressed a  desire  for  me  to  preach  also ;  but  it  being  late,  I 
declined  it. 

Friday,  29.  The  solemn  news  reached  our  ears  that  the 
public  papers  had  announced  the  death  of  that  dear  man  of 
God,  John  Wesley.  He  died  in  his  own  house  in  London,  in 
the  eighty-eighth  year  of  his  age,  after  preaching  the  Gospel 
sixty-four  years.  When  we  consider  his  plain  and  nervous 
writings  ;  his  uncommon  talent  for  sermonizing  and  journaliz- 
ing: that  he  had  such  a  steady  flow  of  animal  spirits;  so 
much  of  the  spirit  of  government  in  him  ;  his  knowledge  as  an 
observer ;  his  attainments  as  a  scholar ;  his  experience  as  a 
Christian ;  I  conclude,  his  equal  is  not  to  be  found  among  all 
the  sons  he  hath  brought  up,  nor  his  superior  among  all  the 
sons  of  Adam  he  may  have  left  behind.  Brother  Coke  was 
sunk  in  spirit,  and  wished  to  hasten  home  immediately.  For 
myself,  notwithstanding  my  long  absence  from  Mr.  Wesley, 
and  a  few  unpleasant  expressions  in  some  of  the  letters  the 
dear  old  man  has  written  to  me,  (occasioned  by  the  misrepre- 
sentation of  others,)  I  feel  the  stroke  most  sensibly ;  and,  I 
expect,  I  shall  never  read  his  works  without  reflecting  on  the 
loss  which  the  Church  of  God  and  the  world  has  sustained  by 

his  death.    Dr.  Coke,  accompanied  by  brother  C  ,  and 

Dr.  G  ,  set  out  for  Baltimore  in  order  to  get  the  most 

speedy  passage  to  England ;  leaving  me  to  fill  the  appoint- 
ments. I  had  a  large  congregation  at  sister  Bombry's.  In 
the  afternoon  I  rode  to  sister  Waller's,  making  a  journey  of 
forty  miles  for  this  day.  Next  day  I  overtook  Dr.  Coke  and 
his  company  at  Colchester.  Brother  Coxes's  horse  being 
sick,  I  put  my  old  horse  in  his  place  to  carry  them  to  Alex- 
andria ;  where  we  arrived  about  three  o'clock,  after  riding 
forty  miles  by  our  reckoning.  At  Alexandria  Dr.  Coke  had 
certain  information  of  Mr.  Wesley's  death.  On  Sahbath  day 
he  reached  Baltimore,  and  preached  on  the  occasion  of  Mr. 


116 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1791. 


Wesley's  death ;  and  mentioned  some  things  which  gave 
offence. 

Maryland. —  Thursday,  May  5.  This  day,  and  the  two  fol- 
lowing days  we  held  conference  in  Baltimore  ;  and  great  love 
and  sweetness  prevailed  throughout  the  sitting.  I  preached 
to  a  large  congregation  on  the  Sabbath,  and  we  had  a  gracious 
time. 

Monday,  9.  Came  to  Cokesbury.  I  found  there  was  a  vast 
demand  for  money  for  the  establishment,  there  having  been 
an  expenditure  of  £700  in  five  months. 

Tuesday,  10.  Crossed  Susquehannah  and  came  to  Cecil; 
and  next  day  reached  Duck  Creek.  Our  conference  began, 
and  was  conducted  in  much  peace  and  harmony  amongst 
preachers  and  people.  Our  meetings  in  public  were  attended 
with  great  power. 

Sunday,  15.  Two  elders  and  three  deacons  were  ordained. 
After  the  ordination,  I  rode  to  Middletown,  Delaware,  and 
preached  to  a  large  congregation. 

Pennsylvania. — Monday,  16.  I  rode  to  New-Castle,  and 
had  the  last  interview  Avith  Dr.  Coke.  Surely  the  time 
to  favour  New-Castle  is  swiftly  coming.  In  the  evening 
I  came  to  Chester ;  and  next  day,  (the  17th,)  arrived  in  Phila- 
delphia, and  opened  conference.  We  had  a  tender,  melting 
account  of  the  dealings  of  God  with  many  souls ;  and  settled 
our  business  in  much  peace.  Mr.  Hammett  came  from  Charles- 
ton with  a  wonderful  list  of  petitioners  desiring  his  return  :  to 

this,  as  far  as  I  had  to  say,  I  submitted ;  but  

I  see  and  hear  many  things  that  might  wound  my  spirit,  if  it 
were  not  that  the  Lord  bears  me  up  above  all. 

Wednesday,  18.  I  preached  on,  "The  Lord  liveth ;  and 
blessed  be  my  rock,  and  let  the  God  of  my  salvation  be 
exalted." 

Friday,  20.  We  had  a  fast-day ;  and  in  the  afternoon  a 
feast  of  love.  It  was  a  time  to  be  remembered  :  some  pre- 
cious souls  were  converted. 

Saturday,  21.  I  left  Philadelphia  for  New-Jersey.  On 
the  road  I  felt  much  of  the  spirit  of  prayer. 


May,  1791.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


Ill 


New- Jersey. — Sunday,  22.  I  preached  in  Trenton,  on 
Joel  ii,  17.  Several  preachers  exhorted,  and  the  Lord  made 
sinners  tremble.  Eighteen  years  ago  I  often  slipped  away 
from  Philadelphia  to  Burlington  one  week,  and  to  Trenton 
another,  to  keep  a  few  souls  alive  :  I  had  then  no  conferences 
to  take  up  my  time  and  occupy  my  thoughts ;  and  now — 
what  hath  God  wrought ! 

We  attended  to  the  business  of  the  conference  with  a  good 
spirit.  In  the  course  of  our  sitting  we  had  some  pleasing 
and  some  painful  circumstances  to  excite  our  feelings. 

Tuesday,  24.  I  set  out  for  New- York.  At  Princeton  I 
preached,  and  I  trust  a  few  felt  the  word.  Passing  through 
Kingston,  I  proceeded  on  to  Mr.  Jaques's,  near  Brunswick, 
making  thirty-two  miles.  My  soul  is  in  peace  ;  my  body 
weak  and  weary. 

Wednesday,  25.  Rode  to  Elizabethtown.  After  dinner,  I 
went  by  water  to  New- York  ;  and  found  all  in  peace. 

New-York. —  Thursday,  26.  Our  conference  came  together 
in  great  peace  and  love.  Our  ordinary  business  was  en- 
livened by  the  relation  of  experiences,  and  by  profitable  ob- 
servations on  the  work  of  God. 

Nothing  would  satisfy  the  conference  and  the  society  but 
my  consenting  to  preach  on  the  occasion  of  Mr.  Wesley's 
death,  which  I  did  on  Sunday,  May  29  :  my  text  was  2  Tim. 
iii,  10,  11.  I  took  the  same  subject  at  the  old  church  in  the 
morning ;  and  in  the  afternoon  at  the  new  church,  varying, 
but  retaining  the  substance. 

Monday,  30.  Our  conference  rose  ;  and  after  love-feast, 
the  preachers  dispersed.  We  had  had  about  thirty  preachers 
at  this  conference,  and  not  a  frown,  a  sign  of  sour  temper,  or 
an  unkind  word  was  seen  or  heard  amongst  us : — but  I  am 
sick,  and  quite  outdone  with  constant  labour.  Mr.  Hammett's 
preaching  was  not  well  received  ;  it  was  supposed  to  be 
aimed  at  our  zealous  men  and  passionate  meetings  :  at  the 
new  church  his  preaching  was  still  more  exceptionable  to  those 
judicious  persons  who  heard  him.  I  expect  some  things 
will  be  retailed  to  my  disadvantage.   Be  it  so — I  trust  the  Lord. 


118 


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[June,  1791. 


Wednesday,  June  1 .  I  preached  at  New-Rochelle  church  : 
the  weather  was  unfavourable  ;  but  we  had  a  living  meeting. 

Thursday,  2.  We  had  a  decent,  lifeless  congregation,  at 
the  court-house  on  the  Plains.  In  the  afternoon  I  preached 
at  Northcastle,  on  Phil,  ii,  12.  My  clay  is  heavy,  and  my 
spirits  low. 

Friday,  3.  I  very  sensibly  feel  the  cold  I  had  taken  on  my 
way  to  New-Rochelle  by  riding  in  the  rain ;  however,  I  rode 
to  Bedford,  and  preached  in  the  town-house  to  about  two 
hundred  serious  and  deeply-attentive  hearers.  Rode  on  to 
brother  H  's,  and  was  much  indisposed. 

Connecticut. — Saturday,  4.  I  rode  over  rocks  and  hills, 
and  came  to  Wilton  ;  and  preached  to  a  serious,  feeling,  well- 
behaved  people  at  Squire  R  's.    In  the  evening  I  went 

on  to  Reading.  Surely  God  will  work  powerfully  amongst 
these  people,  and  save  thousands  of  them.  We  have  travelled 
about  twenty-four  miles  this  day  over  very  rough  roads :  the 
weather  is  cold  for  the  season ;  my  horse  is  very  small,  and 
my  carriage  is  inconvenient  in  such  rocky,  uneven,  jolting 
ways.  This  country  is  very  hilly  and  open — not  unlike  that 
about  the  Peak  of  Derbyshire.  I  feel  faith  to  believe  that 
this  visit  to  New-England  will  be  blessed  to  my  own  soul, 
and  the  souls  of  others.  We  are  now  in  Connecticut ;  and 
never  out  of  sight  of  a  house  ;  and  sometimes  we  have  a  view 
of  many  churches  and  steeples,  built  very  neatly  of  wood ; 
either  for  use,  ornament,  piety,  policy,  or  interest — or  it  may 
be  some  of  all  these.  I  do  feel  as  if  there  had  been  religion 
in  this  country  once  ;  and  I  apprehend  there  is  a  little  in  form 
and  theory  left.  There  may  have  been  a  praying  ministry 
and  people  here  ;  but  I  fear  they  are  now  spiritually  dead ; 
and  am  persuaded  that  family  and  private  prayer  is  very 
little  practised :  could  these  people  be  brought  to  constant, 
fervent  prayer,  the  Lord  would  come  down  and  work  won- 
derfully among  them.  I  find  my  mind  fixed  on  God,  and  the 
work  of  God. 

Lord's  day,  5.  About  ten  o'clock  we  assembled  in  a  barn 
at  Reading,  where  we  had,  perhaps,  three  hundred  serious, 


June,  1791.]         ASBURYS  JOURNAL. 


119 


attentive  people  to  hear :  my  subject  was,  Eph.  ii,  8,  9.  I 
felt  freedom,  and  the  truth  came  clearly  to  my  mind.  Rode 
in  the  evening  twelve  miles  over  rocks  and  uneven  roads  to 
Newtown :  I  found  multitudes  of  people  in  a  Presbyterian 
meeting-house,  many  of  whom  appeared  wild  in  their  be- 
haviour— the  young  laughing  and  playing  in  the  galleries  ; 
and  the  aged  below  seemed  to  be  heavy  and  lifeless.  I  was 
sick  and  weary  ;  nevertheless,  I  attempted  to  preach  on  Acts 
v,  31,  32,  and  endeavoured  to  enlarge  on — 1.  The  humiliation 
of  Christ ;  2.  His  exaltation  in  his  resurrection,  ascension, 
glory,  Head  of  the  Church,  a  Prince  to  give  repentance  and 
pardon  to  rebels.    I  felt  the  power  of  Satan,  and  soon  ended 

my  feeble  testimony.    Brother  L  preached  at  six  o'clock. 

I  felt  much  weakened  and  wearied.  My  impressions  relative 
to  the  people  in  these  parts  are  unfavourable. 

Monday,  6.  Came  to  Stepney,  and  found  a  few  people 
waiting  for  us  at  brother  0  's,  to  whom  I  gave  an  ex- 
hortation, and  we  had  an  awakening  and  melting  time.  Came 
on  to  Chesnut-Hill,  about  twenty  miles  from  Newtown ;  the 
people  here  had  not  had  proper  notice  of  our  coming ;  a  few, 
however,  being  informed  of  it,  let  others  know,  so  that  by  the 
time  I  had  exhorted  and  prayed  many  joined  them :  I  ex- 
horted again  about  forty  minutes  in  as  pointed  a  manner  as 

I  well  could.    After  meeting  we  called  at  E.  H  's,  and 

obtained  refreshment  for  man  and  beast ;  after  conversing 
and  praying  with  the  family,  we  set  out  and  reached  J. 

H  's,  in  the  evening,  where  we  had  a  small  family  meeting, 

at  which  I  spoke  on  Hosea  x,  12:  "Break  up  your  fallow- 
ground  ;  for  it  is  time,  to  seek  the  Lord,  till  he  come  and  rain 
righteousness  upon  you."  To-day  I  have  felt  weary  and 
heavy,  and  yesterday  I  was  agitated  in  mind,  and  sorely  buf- 
feted by  the  enemy — but  I  have  peace  with  God. 

Tuesday,  1.  Body  and  mind  more  tranquil  and  serene. 
Time  was  when  I  should  have  thought  the  prospects  here 
were  very  great — the  people  attend  in  great  multitudes.  I 
find  it  necessary  to  guard  against  painful  anxiety  on  the  one 
hand,  as  well  as  against  lukewarmness  on  the  other.    I  judge 


120 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [June,  1791. 


that  the  spirits  of  men  must  be  stirred  up  to  expect  more 
than  in  former  times,  and  pray,  preach,  and  converse  accord- 
ingly. We  came  to  Stratford — good  news — they  have  voted 
that  the  town-house  shall  be  shut :  well — where  shall  we 
preach  ?  Some  of  the  select-men — one  at  least,  granted 
access.  I  felt  unwilling  to  go,  as  it  is  always  my  way  not  to 
push  myself  into  any  public  house  : — we  had  close  work  on 
Isaiah  lv,  6,  7  ;  some  smiled,  some  laughed,  some  swore, 
some  talked,  some  prayed,  some  wept :  had  it  been  a  house 
of  our  own,  I  should  not  have  been  surprised  had  the  win- 
dows been  broken.  I  refused  to  preach  there  any  more; 
and  it  was  well  I  did — two  of  the  esquires  were  quite  dis- 
pleased at  our  admittance.  We  met  the  class,  and  found 
some  gracious  souls  ;  the  Methodists  have  a  society  consisting 
of  twenty  members,  some  of  them  converted  ;  but  they  have 
no  house  of  worship — they  may  now  make  a  benefit  of  a 
calamity — being  denied  the  use  of  other  houses,  they  will  the 
more  earnestly  labour  to  get  one  of  their  own  :  the  Presby- 
terians and  the  Episcopalians  have  each  one,  and  both  are 
elegant  buildings. 

Wednesday,  8.  We  rested  at  Stratford  ;  and  had  meeting 

in  brother  P  's  house  :  finding  that  most  of  those  who 

attended  were  serious  people,  I  spoke  on  our  blessed  Lord's 
words,  Matt,  xi,  28-30 ;  it  was  a  time  of  comfort  to  the  few 
seekers  and  believers  present. 

Thursday,  9.  Came  to  New-Haven,  and  found  my  appoint- 
ment to  preach  had  been  published  in  the  newspapers.  Every- 
thing was  quiet ;  we  called  on  the  sheriff — he  was  absent : 
we  then  put  up  our  horses  at  the  Ball-tavern,  near  the  col- 
lege yard.    I  was  weary  and  unwell.    I  had  the  honour  of 

the  president  S  ,  Dr.  W  ,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  E  , 

to  hear  me,  and  several  of  the  collegians,  with  a  few  scatter- 
ing citizens.  I  talked  away  to  them  very  fast,  telling  them 
some  little  stories,  whilst  the  sun  shone  full  in  my  face.  The 
judges  looked  very  grave  while  I  endeavoured  to  show — . 
1.  What  we  must  be  saved  from  ;  2.  What  has  been  esteemed 
by  the  men  of  the  world  as  the  wisdom  of  preaching  ;  3.  What 


Jems,  1791.] 


ASBTTRY'S  JOURNAL. 


121 


is  meant  by  the  foolishness  of  preaching.  When  I  had  done, 
no  man  spoke  to  me.  I  thought  to-day  of  dear  Mr.  White- 
field's  words  to  Mr.  Boardman  and  Mr.  Pilmore  at  their  first 
coming  over  to  America  : — "  Ah  !"  said  he,  "  if  ye  were  Cal- 
vinists,  ye  would  take  the  country  before  ye."  We  visited 
the  college  chapel  at  the  hour  of  prayer:  I  wished  to  go 
through  the  whole,  to  inspect  the  interior  arrangements,  but 
no  one  invited  me.  The  divines  were  grave,  and  the  students 
were  attentive ;  they  used  me  like  a  fellow-Christian,  in 
coming  to  hear  me  preach,  and  like  a  stranger  in  other  re- 
spects :  should  Cokesbury  or  Baltimore  ever  furnish  the 
opportunity,  I,  in  my  turn,  will  requite  then-  behaviour,  by 
treating  them  as  friends,  brethren,  and  gentlemen.  The  dif- 
ficulty I  met  with  in  New-Haven  for  lodging,  and  for  a  place 
to  hold  meeting,  made  me  feel  and  know  the  worth  of  Me- 
thodists more  than  ever.  My  body  is  fatigued  and  listless — 
my  spirit  tried  and  tempted  :  infirmities  cleave  to  me. 

From  New-Haven,  through  a  poor  country,  we  passed  on 
to  Northbury,  where  there  is  a  large  Independent  church. 
In  Wallingford  the  meeting-house  of  the  Separatists  supplied 
a  place  for  our  preachers  ;  we  have  also  used  a  neat  Episcopal 
church — small  indeed,  compared  with  others. 

I  am  reminded  of  England  in  travelling  here  ;  this  country 
more  resembles  my  own  than  any  I  have  yet  seen  on  this 
side  the  Atlantic.  I  preached  at  five  o'clock,  in  the  meeting- 
house of  the  Separatists — a  large  room,  and  small  company. 
My  subject  was  2  Cor.  vi,  20.  I  alarmed  the  town  by  the 
excessive  noise  I  made,  and  thereby  enlarged  my  congre- 
gation.   I  felt  more  assisted  than  I  expected. 

Saturday,  11.  At  Wallingford-Farms.  Here  has  been 
some  stir  about  religion ;  but  the  people  say  nets  divinity  has 
put  out  the  fire— Methodists,  Baptists,  Separatists,  &c.  I  felt 
somewhat  warmed  while  I  opened  and  applied  "  Strait  is  the 
gate,  and  narrow  is  the  way  that  leadeth  unto  life."  Some 
were  tender,  and  some  appeared  a  little  alarmed.  I  then  came 
to  Middlefields,  and  lodged  at  the  house  of  a  niece  of  David 
Brainard.    Here  we  enjoy  the  quiet  use  of  a  meeting-house. 

Vol.  II.— 6 


122 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[June,  1791. 


Lord's  day,  12.  "Very  unwell,  but  had  to  preach  three 
times.  I  began  at  ten  o'clock,  on  "  Blessed  is  he  whosoever 
shall  not  be  offended  in  me."  I  had  the  attention  of  the 
people  much  more  than  I  expected.  In  the  afternoon  I  en- 
larged, under  very  great  weakness,  on  "  How  shall  I  give  thee 
up,  Ephraim  ?" 

Came  in  haste  to  Middletown,  where  the  committee 
favoured  me  with  the  meeting-house  belonging  to  the  stand- 
ing order.  I  felt  exceedingly  low  in  body,  while  I  spoke  to  a 
very  large,  serious,  and  attentive  congregation,  and  I  had 
liberty  in  preaching  on  1  John  iii,  23.  After  meeting  we 
rode  a  mile  out  of  town  to  get  lodging.  It  was  to  the  poorer 
classes  of  people  that  this  preaching  on  love  and  charity  was 
anciently  blest. 

Monday,  13.  Rode  to  Haddam,  where  David  Brainard  was 
bom.  We  came  through  dreadful  rocky  ways  to  Captain 
Lee's :  a  Congregational  minister  had  just  finished  his  sermon 
as  we  came  in.  As  we  did  not  wisli  to  force  ourselves  on 
any  one,  Ave  went  forward  to  Lime,  and  found  a  free,  open- 
hearted  Baptist  minister,  who  rose  from  his  bed,  and  received 
us  kindly.  By  this  time  we  were  weary  and  sleepy.  I  trust 
the  Lord  had  a  dwelling  in  this  man's  heart  and  house — his 
wife  is  a  kind,  loving  soul ;  their  children  obliging,  and  ready 
to  serve  us  cheerfully. 

Tuesday,  14.  We  came  over  rocks,  and  through  heat  and 
dust,  to  New-London.  My  mind  has  felt  but  little  temptation 
to  impatience  until  yesterday  and  this  day  ;  but,  through 
grace,  I  do  not  yield  thereto.  It  is  both  unreasonable  and 
unchristian  to  murmur — it  betters  nothing  :  to  deny  ourselves, 
and  to  take  up  our  cross  daily,  is  our  duty — let  us  not  flee 
from  it. 

New-London  stands  upon  the  River  Thames — almost  newly 
built  since  the  war.  This  town  suffered  in  the  general  burn- 
ing carried  on  by  Arnold  in  this  quarter.  The  new  meeting- 
house stands  on  an  eminence ;  the  Episcopal  church  is  a 
pleasant,  well-formed  building.  The  New-Light  Baptists 
were  very  kind,  and  some  of  them  appeared  like  Methodists, 


JtNE,  1791.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


1'J3 


My  church  was  the  court-house — my  subject  2  Peter  iii,  15: 

I  was  not  happy  in  speaking.    Brother  L  gave  them  a 

sermon  at  half  past  eight  o'clock.  I  understood  there  was  a 
work  of  religion  in  this  place  last  year ;  little  of  it  now  re- 
mains. I  came  on  to  Stonington,  properly  so  called,  a  dis- 
tance of  ten  miles,  over  a  most  dreadful  road  for  a  carriage : 
I  would  almost  as  soon  undertake  to  drive  over  the  Alleghany 
mountain.  From  Stonington  I  came  on  to  Westerly,  crossing 
the  line-bridge  between  Connecticut  and  Rhode-Island.  I 
dropped  a  few  words  to  the  woman  of  the  house  where  we 
dined,  and  saw  very  clearly  tbat  she  felt  them.    I  had  some 

life  in  speaking  to  about  one  hundred  people,  at  Mr.  's, 

in  Charlestown,  on  Rev.  iii,  20.  One  said,  I  had  fitted  the 
people  well :  another  said,  that  I  had  the  signs  of  the 
times. 

Rhode-Island. —  Thursday,  16.  Came  to  Newport — the 
roads  were  comparatively  good — the  ferry  three  miles  wide  ; 
which,  however,  we  safely  crossed  in  a  spacious  open  boat, 
excellent  in  its  kind.  In  Newport  are  two  Presbyterian 
meeting-houses — one,  New-Divinity,  so  called ;  three  others, 
regular  Baptists,  New-Lights,  and  Sabbatarians  ;  one  Friends' 
meeting,  and  one  Episcopal  church.  We  stayed  two  nights 
at  our  kind  friend's,  brother  Green,  a  New-Light  Baptist.  I 
lectured  the  second  night  from  Isaiah  lxiv,  1-7  ;  there  was 
some  life  amongst  the  people,  although  it  was  late,  and  the 
congregation  like  our  Lord's  disciples  before  his  passion. 
There  is  also  a  Jews'  synagogue,  and  a  Moravian  chapel.  I 
expect  before  many  years  the  Methodists  will  also  have  a 
house  for  worship  here.  I  feel  the  state  of  this  people — they 
are  settled  upon  their  lees,  and  want  emptying  from  vessel  to 
vessel.    My  soul  enjoys  peace. 

Saturday,  18.  We  go  hence  to  Providence,  attended  by 
our  kind  friend  for  guide.  Blessed  be  the  Lord  for  a  refresh- 
ing rain  the  last  night.  On  this  journey  I  feel  much  hum- 
bled ;  I  am  unknown,  and  have  small  congregations,  to  which 
I  may  add,  a  jar  in  sentiment — but  I  do  not  dispute.  My 
soul  is  brought  into  close  communion.    I  should  not  have  felt 


124 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Jim:,  1791. 


for  these  people  and  for  the  preachers  as  I  now  do,  had  I  not 
visited  them :  perhaps  I  may  do  something  for  them  in  a  fu- 
ture day.    We  came  to  Bristol,  and  should  have  gone  farther, 

but  Captain  G  saw  us,  and  took  us  to  his  house.    At  the 

request  of  a  few  persons  I  preached  in  the  court-house  to 
about  a  hundred  people,  and  enforced  "  The  Son  of  man  is 
come  to  seek  and  to  save  that  which  was  lost,"  and  found 
a  degree  of  liberty.  Some  time  ago  there  was  the  beginning 
of  a  work  here,  but  the  few  souls  who  began  are  now  dis- 
couraged from  meeting  together:  I  fear  religion  is  extin- 
guished by  confining  it  too  much  to  church  and  Sunday 
service,  and  reading  of  sermons.  I  feel  that  I  am  not  among 
my  own  people :  although  I  believe  there  are  some  who  fear 
God ;  and  1  find  reason  to  hope  that  souls  have  gone  to  glory 
from  this  town. 

Sunday,  19.  Came  to  Providence.    I  attended  the  ministry 

of  Mr.  M  ,  a  Baptist,  in  the  forenoon ;  and  Mr.  S  •,  a 

New-Light,  in  the  afternoon.  In  the  evening  I  preached  with 
some  life,  on  Isai.  lxi,  1-3.  There  are  Presbyterians,  Episco- 
palians, Independents  or  Congregationalists,  here  :  but  the 
Baptists  appear  to  be  the  leading  people.  I  found  a  few 
gracious  souls,  and  some  seeking.  It  has  been  a  season  of 
deep  exercise  with  me  while  here :  I  have  had  some  weighty 
sensations ;  I  think  the  Lord  will  revive  his  work  in  Provi- 
dence. 

Monday,  20.  I  visited  some  serious  families  that  truly  love 
and  fear  God.  The  afternoon  I  spent  very  agreeably  with  the 
old  prophet  Mr.  Snow,  aged  about  seventy  years:  he  was 
awakened  by  the  instrumentality  of  Gilbert  Tennant,  whose 
memory  I  revere.  He  told  me  much  about  Mr.  Whitefield, 
and  old  times,  and  of  the  ministers  of  old  times — of  himself, 
his  awakening,  and  conversion  to  God — of  his  riding  thirty 
miles  to  Newport,  in  exceeding  cold  weather,  to  bring  Mr. 
Tennant  to  Providence. 

Having  obtained  more  knowledge  of  the  people,  my  subject 
was  Gal.  vi,  14,  plain  and  pointed:  my  audience  was  serious 
and  attentive.    I  endeavoured  to  show, 


June,  1791.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


125 


1.  What  it  is  for  a  man  to  glory  in  a  thing. 

2.  What  men  glory  in,  which  is  not  the  cross  of  Christ. 

3.  What  it  is  to  glory  in  the  cross  of  Christ. 

4.  How  a  person  may  know  when  he  glories  in  the  cross 
of  Christ — namely,  by  the  world's  being  crucified  to  him,  and 
he  unto  the  world. 

The  people  here  appear  to  be  prudent,  active,  frugal — cul- 
tivating a  spirit  of  good  family  economy  ;  and  they  are  kind 
to  strangers.  They  have  had  frequent  revivals  of  religion  :  I 
had  faith  to  believe  the  Lord  would  shortly  visit  them  again, 
and  that  even  we  shall  have  something  to  do  in  this  town. 
We  rested  a  day  at  Easton,  and  appointed  meeting  at  five 
o'clock.  I  had  good  freedom  on  Acts  xvii,  27,  and  the  peo- 
ple felt  the  word.  We  have  had  a  solemn,  happy,  and  soli- 
tary retreat,  and  my  soul  entered  into  renewed  life. 

Massachusetts. —  Thursday,  23.  We  rode  through  dust 
and  heat  to  Boston.  I  felt  much  pressed  in  spirit,  as  if  the 
door  was  not  open.  As  it  was  court-time,  we  were  put  to 
some  difficulty  in  getting  entertainment.  It  was  appointed 
for  me  lo  preach  at  Murray's  church — not  at  all  pleasing  to 
me;  and  that  which  made  it  worse  was,  that  I  had  only 
about  twenty  or  thirty  people  to  preach  to  in  a  large  house : 
it  appeared  to  me  that  those  who  professed  friendship  for  us, 
were  ashamed  to  publish  us.  On  Friday  evening  I  preached 
again :  my  congregation  was  somewhat  larger,  owing,  per- 
haps, to  the  loudness  of  my  voice — the  sinners  were  noisy  in 
the  streets.  My  subject  was  Rev.  iii,  17,18.  I  was  disturbed, 
and  not  at  liberty,  although  I  sought  it.  I  have  done  with 
Boston  until  we  can  obtain  a  lodging,  a  house  to  preach  in, 
and  some  to  join  us.  Some  things  here  are  to  be  admired  in 
the  place  and  among  the  people — their  bridges  are  great 
works,  and  none  are  ashamed  of  labour ;  of  their  hospitality 
I  cannot  boast :  in  Charleston,  wicked  Charleston,  six  years 
ago,  a  stranger,  I  was  kindly  invited  to  cat  and  drink  by  many 
— here  by  none.  There  are,  T  think,  nine  meeting-houses  of 
the  Establishment ;  Friends'  meeting-house,  one ;  Sandemi- 
nians,  one;  Universalists,  one;  Roman  Catholics,  one;  Baptists, 


1 26 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[June,  1791. 


two  ;  Episcopalians,  two ;  the  Methodists  have  no  house — but 
their  time  may  come. 

I  preached  at  Slade's  tavern  on  my  way  to  Lynn,  on,  "  If 
our  Gospel  be  hid,  it  is  hid  to  them  that  are  lost."  I  was 
agreeably  surprised  to  find  a  house  raised  for  the  Methodists. 
As  a  town,  I  think  Lynn  the  perfection  of  beauty  ;  it  is  seated 
on  a  plain,  under  a  range  of  craggy  hills,  and  open  to  the  sea  : 
there  is  a  promising  society — an  exceedingly  well-behaved 
congregation — these  things,  doubtless,  made  all  pleasing  to  me. 
My  first  subject  was  Rom.  viii,  33,  in  the  afternoon  Acts 
iv,  12  :  here  we  shall  make  a  firm  stand,  and  from  this  cen- 
tral point,  from  Lynn,  shall  the  light  of  Methodism  and  of 
truth  radiate  through  the  State.  Our  brother  Johnson  is  sim- 
ple-hearted, and  hearty  in  the  cause  :  we  owe  our  entertain- 
ment and  house  for  worship  chiefly  to  him. 

Tuesday,  28.  Rode  to  Marblehead.  When  I  entered  this 
town,  my  heart  was  more  melted  towards  its  inhabitants,  than 
to  any  in  those  parts,  with  the  exception  of  Lynn.  After 
consultation,  and  some  altercation  among  themselves,  the 
committee  invited  me  to  preach  in  Mr.  Story's  meeting-house, 
which  I  did  accordingly  at  four  o'clock,  on  Acts  ^xvi,  17,  18. 
I  was  led  to  speak  alarmingly,  whilst  I  pointed  out  the  Gos- 
pel as  descriptive  of  their  misery  and  need  of  mercy  :  brother 
Lee  preached  in  the  evening  to  a  great  number  of  people  in 
and  about  Mr.  Martin's  house.  Next  morning,  weak  as  I  was, 
I  could  not  forbear  speaking  to  them  on  "  Seek  ye  first  the 
kingdom  of  God." 

Wednesday,  29.  Rode  to  Salem.  Here  are  five  meeting- 
houses, two  of  them  on  the  New-Divinity  plan — that  is, 
regeneration  the  first  work — no  prayer,  repentance,  or  faith, 
until  this  is  accomplished ;  the  other  three  belong  to  the 
Establishment,  one  Episcopalian,  and  one  Friends'  meeting- 
house. I  found  no  access  to  any.  I  lectured  in  the  court- 
house, on  Rom.  v,  6-9.  I  looked  upon  the  greater  part  of 
my  congregation  as  judges  ;  and  I  talked  until  they,  becom- 
ing weary,  began  to.  leave  me.  I  have  done  with  Salem  until 
we  can  get  a  better  stand.    I  had  the  curiosity  to  visit  the 


July,  1791.]  ASBURYS  JOURNAL. 


125 


calvary  of  the  witches — that  is,  those  who  were  destroyed  on 
the  charge  of  witchcraft.  I  saw  the  graves  of  many  inno- 
cent, good  people,  who  were  put  to  death,  suffering  persecu- 
tion from  those  who  had  suffered  persecution — such,  and  so 
strangely  contradictory,  is  man.  I  have  felt  weakness  of 
body,  and  deep  exercise  of  mind,  and,  at  times,  good  liberty 
in  speaking.  I  am  now  convinced  that  the  Methodists,  as  a 
body,  have  the  most  religion,  and  am  more  and  more  con- 
firmed in  my  choice. 

We  rode  to  Manchester.  Mr.  Foster  received  us  with 
great  kindness.  The  selectmen  granted  us  the  privilege  of 
the  meeting-house.  I  lectured  on  Malachi  iii,  13,  at  five 
o'clock.  Here  are  some  feeling  and  understanding  souls. 
This  place  has  been  visited  for  many  years,  and  a  society 
kept  up,  although  the  ministers  did  not  favour  the  stir.  Of 
this  work,  father  Lee's  ministry,  an  aged  man  of  that  country 
and  town  has  been  the  principal  means ;  for  a  long  time  he 
has  faithfully  stood  his  ground,  praying  with,  and  exhorting 
the  people.  We  were  invited  to  lodge  at  a  place  where  pro- 
vision is  made  for  the  entertainment  of  ministers,  and  in  the 
morning  money  was  offered.  I  declined  accepting  their  invi- 
tation, and  refused  their  money. 

Friday,  July  1.  Came  to  L  's  to  dinner.  After  pray- 
ing with  them,  and  speaking  to  each  in  the  family,  I  left 
them  to  God.  Thence  I  proceeded  to  T  's,  and  preach- 
ed at  Brown's  Folly,  to  many  people  ;  my  subject,  Luke 
ii,  10. 

Saturday,  2.   I   returned  home  to  brother  J  's,  in 

Lynn. 

Sunday,  3.  My  first  subject  was,  "  The  great  salvation." 
In  the  afternoon  I  spoke  on  Titus  ii,  11,  12,  and  had  liberty. 
In  the  evening  my  subject  was  Matt,  xi,  28-30.  The  con- 
gregation was  attentive,  and  my  mind  enjoyed  sweet  peace  ; 
although,  outwardly,  we  were  uncomfortable,  the  meeting- 
house being  open,  and  the  weather  very  cool  for  the  season. 
I  feel  as  if  God  would  work  in  these  States,  and  give  us  a 
great  harvest.    My  intervals  of  leisure  have  been  spent  in 


128 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jcly,  1791. 


close  application  to  my  Bible,  and  reading  Baxter's  Call  to 
the  Unconverted. 

Monday,  4. 1  took  the  benefit  of  the  sea-air,  and  began  visiting. 

Tuesday,  5.  My  soul  is  in  great  peace  and  love.  Here  it 
is  a  day  of  small  things  :  the  people  have  been  neglected,  but 
now  the  Lord  has  opened  their  eyes.  0  what  skill,  and  pa- 
tience, and  wisdom  are  needful  to  deal  with  souls  !  I  was 
happy  in  meeting  the  women  in  class.  I  found  but  few  be- 
lievers, but  I  do  believe  that  God  will  bring  them  all  into 
full  liberty. 

Wednesday,  6.  Found  my  mind  stayed  upon  God.  In  the 
evening  I  had  a  large,  attentive  congregation. 

Thursday,  7.  I  was  engaged  closely  in  reading.  I  visited 
and  conversed  freely  with  two  families.  I  am  informed  that 
Lynn  and  Lynnfield  afford  upwards  of  two  thousand  two 
hundred  souls,  (1791.)  This  day  brother  Jesse  Lee  put  a 
paper  into  my  hand,  proposing  the  election  of  not  less  than 
two,  nor  more  than  four  preachers  from  each  conference,  to 
form  a  general  conference  in  Baltimore,  in  December,  1*792, 
to  be  continued  annually. 

Saturday,  9.  I  preached  a  sacramental  sermon  on,  "Let a 
man  examine  himself,  and  so  let  him  eat  of  that  bread  and 
drink  of  that  cup." 

Sunday,  10.  Preached  on  the  great  supper,  Luke  xiv,  a 
very  solemn,  baptizing,  and  sacramental  season.  The  people 
chose  to  receive  the  elements  sitting,  as  is  the  practice  amongst 
Presbyterians.  In  the  afternoon  I  enforced,  "  What  shall  the 
end  be  of  them  that  obey  not  the  gospel  of  God  ?"  At  night 
I  spoke  on,  "  These  shall  go  away  into  everlasting  punish- 
ment." The  Lord  was  among  the  people,  and  I  hope  and 
trust  some  real  good  was  done. 

Monday,  11.  I  labour  under  deep  exercises  of  soul.  The 
sea-bath  I  found  to  strengthen  me.  In  the  evening  I  met  the 
men's  class  in  Lynn,  and  was  led  to  hope  that  a  glorious 
work  of  God  will  be  wrought  here.  Several  people  are  un- 
der awakenings  at  this  time.  My  staying  so  long  among 
them  may  be  of  the  Lord. 


JlLY,  1791.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


129 


Tuesday,  12.  We  had  a  blessed  rain  after  nearly  a  month's 
drought. 

Wednesday,  13.  We  came  through  Waltham,  Sudbury, 
and  Malborough.  At  this  last  place  there  is  a  grand  meet- 
ing-house, and  one  not  less  elegant  in  its  kind  for  the  minister. 
Thence  we  proceeded  on  through  Northbury  and  Shrewsbury, 
to  Worcester,  through  rain,  and  with  pain  and  weariness.  Mr. 
Chandler  received  us  with  kindness  more  than  common,  and 
courtesy  anxious  to  please,  calling  his  family  together  Avith 
softness  of  address,  and  in  all  things  else  being  agreeable ; 
perhaps  more  so  than  any  man  I  have  met  with  in  America. 
This  reception  shall  comfort  us  a  little  in  our  toil.  From 
Worcester  we  journeyed  on,  passing  through  Leicester, 
Spenser,  Brookfields,  and  another  town.  We  dined  at  a  place 
where  "  the  people  are  united,  and  do  not  wish  to  divide  the 
parish " — their  fathers,  the  Puritans,  divided  the  kingdom 
and  the  Church  too,  and  when  tliey  could  not  obtain  liberty 
of  conscience  in  England,  they  sought  it  here  among  wild 
men  and  beasts.  At  Greaves's  tavern  I  saw  a  man  from 
Vermont,  who  said  the  number  of  their  inhabitants  was 
ninety  thousand.  He  invited  me  to  send  preachers  among 
them. 

Friday,  15.  My  mind  has  been  dejected  ;  Satan  has  as- 
saulted me.  I  could  not  be  fixed  in  prayer  as  I  desired.  We 
have  made  it  one  hundred  and  eight  miles  from  Lynn  to 
Springfield.  I  want  to  be  with  the  Methodists  again.  0 
how  unworthy  of  such  fellowship !  yet  am  I  seated  among 
the  princes  of  thy  people !  At  six  o'clock  I  delivered  a  dis- 
course in  Mr.  C  's  house,  on  "  It  is  time  to  seek  the  Lord 

till  he  come  and  rain  righteousness  upon  you."  The  people 
were  a  little  moved  ;  and  one  sister  under  deep  conviction. 
This  place  is  a  haunt  of  soldiery  ;  the  armoury  being  kept 
here.  There  appears  to  be  little  religion  among  the  inha- 
bitants. 

Connecticut. — Sunday,  \1.  Passed  through  Suffield  to 
Turkey  Hills,  where  I  had  a  large  and  very  criticising  con- 
gregation, to  whom  I  preached  my  first  discourse  on  John 


130 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [July,  1791. 


vii,  17.  My  second  subject  was  Heb.  vi,  1.  There  were 
some  feeling  hearts  present ;  the  Lord  will  work  here.  On 
Monday  I  had  a  crowd  at  Proquonac,  in  a  school-house,  to 
whom  I  preached  on  2  Cor.  iv,  1,  2.  Some  were  frightened, 
some  melted,  and  some  were  offended.  We  came  to  Wind- 
sor.   Mr.  S  received  us  kindly,  but  did  not  fail  to  let  us 

know  how  lightly  he  thought  of  vs  and  of  our  principles. 
Here  my  feelings  were  very  gloomy,'  and  I  secretly  wished 
myself  out  of  the  way.  I  went  to  the  school-house  and  found 
it  crowded  with  people  :  the  Lord  lifted  me  up  whilst  I  open- 
ed and  applied  Gal.  iii,  22.  I  think  I  was  given  to  see  and 
feel  the  true  state  of  these  people  ;  some  of  them  were  melted, 
and  praised  God  for  the  gospel. 

Tuesday,  19.    I  came  to  the  city  of  Hartford.    At  Mr. 

S  's  meeting-house  I  was  attended  by  three  ministers.  I 

was  clear  not  to  keep  back  any  part  of  the  truth,  whilst  I  en- 
forced Luke  vii,  23.  The  people  were  mostly  serious  and 
attentive. 

I  had  an  interview  with  Dorcas  Brown,  who  was  converted 
forty  years  ago,  and  in  the  history  of  whose  experience  there 
were  some  remarkable  manifestations  of  the  power  of  God, 
and  of  the  interposition  of  his  providence  in  answer  to  prayer 
in  times  of  persecution  and  violence.  Her  son's  case  was  also 
remarkable.  He  had  been  captured  by  the  Indians,  and  was 
returned  killed.  In  contradiction  to  this  account,  and  the 
general  belief,  she  pronounced  that  she  should  again  see  him 
in  the  flesh.  Contrary  to  the  expectation  of  all  but  herself, 
he  did  return  after  an  absence  of  three  years  and  eight 
months. 

Wednesday,  20.  At  East  Hartford  I  felt  more  than  usually 
assisted  on  Luke  xix,  10.  I  had  an  attentive,  feeling  congre- 
gation. On  Thursday  we  had  a  gracious  shower  at  the 
quarterly  meeting  at  West  Farmington,  where  I  delivered  a 
pointed  discourse  on  Acts  xvi,  31,  32,  which  was  blessed  to 
some  souls. 

Friday,  22.  The  Episcopal  church  was  open  at  Litchfield, 
where  T  preached,  with  very  little  faith,  on  the  love  of  Christ. 


JVly,  1791.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL 


131 


I  think  Morse's  account  of  his  countrymen  is  near  the  truth. 
Never  have  I  seen  any  people  who  would  talk  so  long,  so  cor- 
rectly, and  so  seriously  about  trifles. 

Saturday,  23.  By  a  rocky,  mountainous  way,  we  came  to 
Cornwall  in  the  midst  of  the  harvest  home.  We  had  about 
one  hundred  and  fifty  hearers.  I  had  openings  of  mind 
whilst  I  spoke  on  1  Pet.  iii,  15. 

Sunday,  24.  Came  to  Canaan,  after  preaching  at  a  new 
meeting-house.  Here  naught  would  satisfy  but  my  going  to 
the  ancient  Presbyterian  church.  I  reluctantly  complied,  and 
made  a  feeble  attempt,  on  Luke  xi,  13.  I  offended,  and  was 
offended  :  the  people  seemed  uneasy,  and  wished  to  be  gone. 
This  is  the  first,  and  I  expect  will  be  the  last  time  I  shall 
speak  in  that  house,  if  not  in  that  place.  Twenty-five  years 
ago  the  people  in  this  place  had  religion ;  at  present,  it  is  to 
be  feared,  there  is  little  or  none.  How  it  is  I  know  not ;  but 
at  such  places  I  feel  dreadfully, — as  if  such  people  were  the 
worst  of  all  under  the  sun,  and  at  the  greatest  distance  from 
God. 

Wednesday,  27.  Although  under  considerable  affliction  of 
body  and  mind,  I  rode  over  rough  ways,  to  New  Britain, 
where,  in  general,  the  people  appeared  unfeeling ;  never- 
theless, I  found  a  few  among  them  who  felt  the  need  of 
Christ.  I  was  led  to  exhort  them,  and  to  pray  with  them.  I 
am  persuaded  some  are  not  far  from  the  kingdom  of  God. 

New-York. —  Thursday,  28.    I  felt    some    freedom  at 

T  's,  while  speaking  on  2  Tim.  iii,  16.    The  length  of 

the  ride,  and  the  languor  of  my  bodily*  powers,  had  not  en- 
feebled my  mind.  We  found  some  gracious  souls  in  the 
society. 

Friday,  29.  Came  to  Albany.  My  mind  felt  impressed 
with  the.  value  of  the  souls  in  this  place.  By  the  curves  I 
have  made  in  my  course  from  Hartford  to  this  place,  I  sup- 
pose I  have  not  travelled  less  than  one  hundred  and  fifty 
miles  :  perpetual  motion  is  no  small  trial  to  my  body  and 
mind  ;  but  I  must  cast  my  care  upon  the  Lord.  I  am  led  to 
think  the  eastern  Church  will  find  this  saying  hold  true  in  the 


132 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Aug.,  1791. 


Methodists  ;  namely,  "  I  will  provoke  you  to  jealousy  by  a 
people  that  were  no  people  ;  and  by  a  foolish  nation  will  I 
anger  you  :"  they  have  trodden  upon  the  Quakers,  the  Epis- 
copalians, the  Baptists — see  now  if  the  Methodists  do  not 
work  their  way  :  the  people  will  not  pay  large  money  for  re- 
ligion if  they  can  get  it  cheaper. 

I  preached  to  about  three  hundred  people  in  a  barn  at 
Coeyir.an's  Patent,  the  new  stone  church  not  being  ready. 
Our  society  is  promising  in  this  place. 

Tuesday,  August  2.  Came  to  Hudson.  I  felt  disagreeable 
sensations — a  chill,  hoarseness,  headache,  and  fever. 

Wednesday,  3.  The  day  was  unusually  warm,  and  I  was 
sick  and  felt  like  Jonah  ;  I  was  ready  to  faint  in  my  carriage  ; 

at  last,  through  mercy,  I  arrived  safe  at  kind  sister  L  's  : 

I  went  to  bed,  took  some  chicken  broth,  and  after  a  comfort- 
able sleep  felt  revived.  No  more  rest — I  took  the  road  again, 
and  arrived  at  Rhinebeck  by  noon.  My  soul  is  in  peace — I 
want  more  prayer,  patience,  life,  and  love — 1  walk  daily, 
hourly,  and  sometimes  minutely,  with  God. 

Saturday,  C.   I  had  a  few  serious  people  at  the  Mountain 

meeting-house.    I  lodged  at  C  's,  who  was  formerly  a 

Shaking  Quaker. 

Sunday,  1.  We  received  the  sacrament ;  and  then  went  to 
a  small  grove,  where  we  had  a  green  carpet  of  nature's 
spreading  underneath,  and  an  umbrella  of  variegated  leaves 
above  us.  I  preached  on  Zech.  xii,  10,  to  about  a  thousand 
or  twelve  hundred  people,  as  it  was  judged  :  I  felt  solemn 
and  recollected,  and^vas  assisted  in  speaking  :  1  had  some 
faith  to  believe  it  would  be  the  beginning  of  days,  and  of  a 
revival  of  religion. 

Connecticut. — Preached  at  Salisbury,  on  Acts  v,  31,  32. 
My  mind  is  in  peace. 

I  came  to  Sharon  time  enough  to  preach  at  three  o'clock : 
the  women  crowded  the  house,  whilst  the  men  stood  at  the 
door,  with  patient  attention,  in  the  rain,  which  indeed  many 
seemed  scarcely  to  perceive  ;  I  spoke  with  life  and  freedom  on 
Ephes.  ii,  8-10.     Here  are  some  praying  souls.    I  read, 


Aug.,  1791.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


133 


much  to  ray  comfort,  Corbit's  Memoirs  of  the  Secrets  of  his 
Heart,  brought  to  public  view  after  his  death. 

New-York. — Friday,  12.  I  preached  at  B  's,  on  Luke 

xix,  10,  to  a  number  of  simple-hearted  people.  Rode  to  bro- 
ther J  's  to  attend  quarterly-meeting ;  I  felt  weak  and 

unwell,  yet  happy  in  God.  My  soul  enters  into  deeper  union 
with  God,  and  into  a  sweet  resignation  and  confidence  in  him 
for  his  work  and  Church.  I  judge  that  my  journey  to  Lynn, 
and  my  rides  through  the  country  thereabouts,  have  made  a 
distance  of  little  less  than  five  hundred  miles  ;  and  thence  to 
Albany,  nearly  the  same;  and  from  Albany  to  New- York 
not  much  less ;  with,  occasionally,  very  rough  roads  for  a 
carriage :  well,  it  is  all  for  God,  and  Christ,  and  souls  :  I 
neither  covet  nor  receive  any  man's  silver  or  gold — food,  rai- 
ment, and  a  little  rest,  is  all  I  want. 

Saturday  and  Suiulay,  13,  14.  We  began  our  meeting  in 
a  barn  at  Jackson's :  I  had  freedom  whilst  enlarging  on 
Joshua  xxiv.  15  :  there  was  a  large  collection  of  people  from 
far  to  our  sacrament  and  love-feast ;  among  these  there  was 
life,  but  the  people  about  this  place  are  dead — dead  !  there 
is  a  curse  somewhere.  I  doubt  if  one  soul  has  been  converted 
to  God  since  I  was  here  two  years  ago. 

Monday,  15.  I  feel  great  power  to  trust  God  with  his 
Church  and  work :  and  am  resolved  on  more  frequent  access 
to  the  throne  of  grace,  not  continuing  so  long  as  heretofore  : 
I  feel  greater  sweetness  in  so  doing,  and  it  tends  more  to  an 
hourly  and  momently  walk  with  God. 

Tuesday,  16.  This  is  a  day  of  rest  from  public  labour.  I 
have  uncommon  trials,  and  great  liberty  of  spirit :  my  ad- 
dresses to  a  throne  of  grace  are  frequent  to-day. 

Wednesday,  IV.  Felt  a  good  degree  of  liberty  at  B  's, 

on  Col.  i,  28 :  "  Christ  formed  in  you  the  hope  of  glory" — 
perfect  in  Christ  Jesus.  Ours  is  not  the  perfection  of  God,  of 
Christ,  of  angels  ;  such  perfection  must  be  ours  as  excludes 
evil  tempers  from  the  heart,  and  yet  supposes  us  liable  to 
ignorance  and  error,  while  in  tenements  of  clay.  As  1  came 
along  to  P  's  T  traa  ready  to  complain  of  the  roughness 


134 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Sept.,  H9\. 


of  the  roads,  but  I  was  suddenly  stopped,  when  I  beheld  a 
poor  Irishwoman  with  a  heavy  child  on  her  shoulders,  and 
without  covering  for  head  or  feet ;  she  said  she  was  from 
Canada,  and  thus  far  had  begged  her  way  : — pity  for  her  at 
once  stilled  all  murmur  of  complaint  for  myself. 

On  Thursday  we  had  a  gracious  season  at  Stoney-street, 
amongst  sinners,  seekers,  and  believers,  while  I  applied 
Gal.  vi,  10. 

Saturday,  20.  Quarterly-meeting  at  North-Castle :  it  be- 
gan well ;  I  was  happy  in  mind,  although  unwell,  whilst  I 
spoke  to  many  who  attended,  on  1  Sam.  vii,  3. 

Sunday,  21.  Our  congregation  became  unwieldy  and  rest- 
less ;  my  subject,  Luke  xxiii,  3,  was  new,  to  me  at  least : 
although  my  mind  enjoyed  some  degree  of  peace,  my  frame 
was  agitated,  and  my  spirits  hurried.  I  received  the  olive- 
branch  from  Virginia.  All  is  peace — it  was  obtained  by  a 
kind  letter  from  me  to  O'Kelly. 

Saturday,  27.  Quarterly-meeting  in  Newtown  :  I  felt  free- 
dom of  mind  whilst  treating  on  Deut.  v,  26. 

Sunday,  28.  We  had  a  good  sacramental  time,  and  a  melt- 
ing love-feast.  There  are  four  houses  of  worship  in  this  place, 
but  I  fear  the  Church  of  Christ  is  very  small.  I  have  lately 
been  led  into  great  depths  of  God,  and  sight  of  my  danger 
and  constant  need  of  prayer. 

Monday,  29.  Came  to  New- York :  the  weather  is  warm; 
and  here  is  an  awful" season  of  affliction. 

I  preached  at  the  new  church,  on  Hcb.  v,  12  ;  Ave  had  an 
acceptable  time,  and  some  gracious  movings. 

Wednesday,  31.  We  had  a  serious,  heart-affecting  time; 
many  were  ready  to  break  out  in  praises  to  God.  I  respect 
the  kindness  of  the  dear  people  here,  and  leave  New- York  in 
faith  that  the  Lord  will  return  to  visit  them. 

Thursday,  September  1.  I  visited  my  old  friends  on  Staten 
Island  :  many  whom  I  have  preached  to  and  prayed  for,  still 
keep  at  a  distance. 

Friday,  2.  I  preached  in  our  new  chapel  to  a  large  congre- 
gation on,  "Ye  that  have  escaped  the  sword,  go  away,  stand 


Sept.,  1791.]         ASBURT'S  JOURNAL. 


185 


not  still ;  remember  the  Lord  afar  off,  and  let  Jerusalem  come 
into  your  mind."  Jer.  li,  50.  It  was  a  gracious  season  :  after 
preaching  the  society  met,  and  several  declared  the  Lord's 
dealings  with  their  souls. 

New-Jersey. — Monday,  5.  I  rode  through  much  rain  to 
Monmouth,  New-Jersey,  where  I  preached  to  a  considerable 
congregation,  on,  "  The  just  shall  live  by  faith  ;  but  if  any 
man  draw  back,  my  soul  shall  have  no  pleasure  in  him." 
There  is  some  stir  among  the  people  :  at  Long-Branch,  within 
eighteen  months,  as  I  am  informed,  nearly  fifty  souls  have 
professed  conversion. 

Tuesday,  6.  I  found  the  Lord  had  not  left  himself  without 
witnesses  at  Kettle-Creek. 

Wednesday,  7.    At  P  's  church  I  learn  some  were 

offended :  blessed  be  God !  my  soul  was  kept  in  great 
peace. 

Friday,  9.  At  Little-Egg  Harbour  T  endeavoured  to  speak 
very  pointedly  on  Acts  xiii,  4G  :  my  spirit  was  much  moved, 
and  I  think,  as  a  preacher  and  visitor,  I  am  thus  far  free 
from  the  blood  of  saints  and  sinners. 

Saturday,  10.  Rode  a  dreary,  mosquito  path,  in  great 
weakness,  to  Batstow  works. 

Sunday,  11.  Preached  on  Luke  xix,  10.  I  advised  the 
people  to  build  a  house  for  the  benefit  of  those  men  so 
busily  employed  day  and  night,  Sabbaths  not  excepted,  in  the 
manufacture  of  iron — rude  and  rough,  and  strangely  ignorant 
of  God. 

Thursday,  15.  Having  exerted  myself  more  than  my 
strength  would  well  bear  last  evening,  I  feel  faint,  yet  pur- 
suing.   I  gave  an  exhortation  to  a  house  full  of  people.  The 

evening  was  spent  with  S.  II  :  gracious  souls,  mother 

and  children. 

Friday,  10.  Preached  at  C  's  :  here  are  some  under 

awakenings  ;  and  the  prospect  is  pleasing.  Many  attended 
the  word  on  the  Lord's  day  :  several  of  our  sisters  and  of  our 
brethren  on  this  day  (and  on  Monday  at  Bethel)  after  sacra- 
ment, testified  to  the  goodness  of  God. 


136 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.        [Sept.,  1*791. 


Pennsylvania. —  Tuesday,  20.  Rode  to  Philadelphia. 
Here,  as  usual,  I  was  closely  employed  in  writing ;  I  had 
several  meetings,  and  some  awful  seasons  that  will  be  remem- 
bered in  eternity.  This  city  abounds  with  inhabitants — it  is 
the  London  of  America. 

Wednesday,  28.  We  rode  to  Strasburg,  thirty  miles,  where 
I  preached  at  night  in  a  respectable  tavern,  on  Acts  iii,  19. 
I  Avas  very  plain,  and  had  some  energy  in  preaching,  although 
unwell  in  body.  I  have  faith  to  believe  we  shall  have  a 
house  of  worship,  and  that  the  Lord  will  have  a  people  in 
this  place. 

Thence  to  M.  B  's  :  hitherto  the  Lord  hath  been  our 

helper  in  spite  of  sin  and  Satan.  We  had  a  good  time  whilst 
I  spoke  on  Zechariah  xii,  10  :  after  sacrament  several  bore 
their  testimony  for  the  Lord.  My  soul  is  much  humbled, 
and  brought  into  close  communion  with  God  ;  yea,  I  re- 
joiced greatly  to  find  so  much  religion  among  the  people. 

We  went  hence  to  brother  M  's,  where,  for  two  days, 

we  had  a  gracious  season :  I  preached  on  Acts  ii,  37,  38. 
I  had  openings,  and  was  made  to  feel  after  the  souls  of  the 
people.  How  will  Satan  take  advantage  to  raise  prejudice 
in  the  minds  of  many  !  At  first  the  cry  was,  "  They  are 
enemies  to  the  country  !"  that  tale  worn  out,  it  is  said,  "  They 
will  pull  down  the  churches — they  hold  erroneous  doc- 
trines !"  aye  ;  Ave  will  labour  to  raise  a  true  spiritual  Church  ; 
and  if,  in  doing  this,  Ave  injure  Avolves  in  sheep's  clothing, 
let  unfaithful  ministers  look  to  it :  Ave  shall  deliver  our  own 
souls. 

Delaavare. — Came  to  Wilmington.  Alas  for  poor  Wil- 
mington !  when  will  this  people  open  their  eyes  ?  We  rode  in 

haste  thirty  miles  to  D  's,  but  the  people  had  met  three 

hours  before  our  arrival,  and  brother  E  had  preached  to 

them.  I  preached  at  the  Cross  Roads,  but  the  minds  of  the 
people  Avere  so  occupied  by  the  approaching  election,  that  I 
fear  there  was  little  room  for  things  of  more  importance. 
Finding  there  Avere  no  more  appointments  published  for  me, 
I  rode,  through  the  dust,  thirty-two  miles  to  Judge  White's. 


Oct.,  1791.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


137 


0  Lord,  help  me  to  watch  and  pray !  I  am  afraid  of  losing 
the  sweetness  I  feel :  for  months  past  I  have  felt  as  if  in  the 
possession  of  perfect  love  ;  not  a  moment's  desire  of  anything 
hut  God.  I  have  an  awful  view  of  the  reformed  Churches, 
and  am  determined  to  speak  to  the  very  hearts  of  the  people. 

After  attending  a  quarterly  meeting  at  B  's  chapel,  I  came 

to  W  'a  ;  we  had  a  large  congregation :  after  public  ser- 
vice, we  had  a  meeting  for  the  local  preachers,  leaders,  and 
stewards.  Next  morning  we  had  love-feast  for  the  coloured 
brethren  at  sun-rise  ;  and  at  nine  o'clock  for  the  whites.  We 
find  new  members  are  added  every  year ;  many  living  expe- 
riences, and  miracles  of  grace  in  this  society. 

Friday,  October  14.  Came  to  brother  L  's.    Hail,  happy 

souls !  three  out  of  four  in  this  family  love  God. 

Saturday,  15.  Came  to  Downing's  chapel;  had  a  blessed 
love-feast ;  most  of  those  who  spoke  professed  sanctification. 
My  soul  was  filled  with  God.  I  did  what  I  could  to  put 
those  in  band  who  had  witnessed  perfect  love  in  love-feast. 
There  is  a  great  work  of  God  in  the  lower  counties  of  Vir- 
ginia ;  but  the  Antinomian  doctrines,  so  liberally  set  forth  by 
some,  greatly  hinder.    We  have  rough  weather. 

TJiursday,  20.  The  storm  continued  ;  it  was  thought  no  one 
could  go  out ;  we,  nevertheless,  ventured  through  heavy  rains 

and  came  to  P  's ;  at  night  we  reached  D  's,  making 

a  journey  of  nearly  forty  miles ;  we  were  wet  and  uncomforta- 
ble ;  but  the  Lord  preserves  our  goings  out  and  our  comings  in. 

Maryland. — Friday  21.  Preached  at  brother  L  's,  on 

Heb.  viii,  10-12.  I  think  the  Lord  will  work  in  this  neigh- 
bourhood, and  take  away  the  covering  and  the  veil  that  are 
spread  upon  the  minds  of  the  people.  Temptations  have 
oppressed  my  soul,  and  disease  afflicted  my  body ;  it  is  the 
Lord's  power  alone  that  can  help  me  ;  I  fear  I  am  not  so  con- 
stant in  prayer  as  I  should  be.    I  made  an  effort  to  establish  . 

a  female  school,  under  sister  G  ,  and  sister  B  ;  and 

endeavoured  to  impress  the  necessity  and  expediency  of  band- 
meeting,  on  men  and  women,  both  married  and  single. 

Tuesday,  25.  At  M  ~'s,  there  was  a  living  stir  among 


138 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Dec,  1791. 


some  who  came  to  the  quarterly  meeting  from  a  distance. 
My  soul  is  bowed  down  for  this  neighbourhood. 

Wednesday,  November  2.  We  crossed  Choptank  River  and 
came  to  Talbot  quarterly  meeting.  My  subject  on  the  first  day 
was,  "  0  !  let  the  wickedness  of  the  wicked  come  to  an  end." 
We  had  a  close  love-feast,  and  some  living  souls. 

Sunday  and  Monday,  6,  7.  Attended  quarterly  meeting  at 
Greensburg,  commonly  called  Choptank  Bridge:  we  had  a 
strict  and  living  love-feast,  and  powerful  testimonies. 

Wednesday,  16.  Came  to  Havre  de  Grace,  and  thence  hur- 
ried to  Cokcsbury,  where  I  found  all  in  peace. 

Thursday,  17.  Came  to  the  old  meeting  house  at  Bush,  and 
preached  on  "  Enoch  walked  with  God :"  the  meeting-house 
at  Bush  is  the  second  house  built  for  the  Methodists  in  the 
State :  it  is  a  poor  building,  remaining  unfinished  to  this  day, 
and  likely  so  to  continue. 

Friday,  18.  We  had  a  powerful,  melting  time,  at  Deer 
Creek:  my  subject  was  Jeremiah  xiv,  8-10. 

Sunday,  27.  I  preached  at  Baltimore  a  searching  discourse, 
on  Zeph.  i,  12.  In  the  afternoon  I  preached  at  the  Point,  to 
some  unfeeling  souls  ;  and  in  the  evening  performed  the  f unci  al 
solemnity  of  my  dear  old  friend  sister  Tribulet,  on  Acts 
xvi,  13-15.  I  was  uncommonly  drawn  out  this  day,  and  truly 
laboured  in  body  and  spirit. 

Monday,  December  5.  I  went  from  house  to  house  through 
the  snow  and  cold,  begging  money  for  the  support  of  the  poor 
orphans  at  Cokesbury. 

Rode  to  Annapolis  and  preached  at  night. 

Virginia. —  Wednesday,  December  7.  A  day  to  be  remem- 
bered. We  stopped  once  in  forty-three  miles :  when  we 
reached  Oxen  Hill  Ferry,  opposite  to  Alexandria,  I  was  nearly 
frozen,  being  hardly  able  to  walk  or  talk.  We  crossed  the 
Potomac  in  an  open  boat,  on  whose  icy  bottom  the  horses 
with  difficulty  kept  their  feet ;  and  still  worse  it  would  have 
been,  had  I  not  thoughtfully  called  for  some  straw  to  strew 
beneatli  them  ;  we  had  five  of  them  on  board,  and  the  waves 
were  high. 


Dec,  1791.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


139 


Friday,  9.  Rode  forty  miles  to  Mrs.  W  's :  I  suffered 

not  a  little  with  cold :  I  thank  God  my  life  is  spared. 

Sunday,  11.  I  could  not  find  the  way  to  the  hearts  of  an 
unfeeling  people  at  the  widow  Bombry's ;  thence  we  went  in 
haste  to  Port  Royal ;  the  inhabitants,  seeing  us,  ran  together, 
to  whom  I  spoke  on  Acts  ii,  27 :  the  people  were  respectful 
and  attentive. 

Monday,  12.  Rode  through  a  storm  of  snow  to  brother 

A  's.    My  mind  enjoys  peace  ;  and  although  by  constant 

travelling  I  am  kept  from  the  privilege  of  being  so  frequently 
in  private  prayer,  yet  I  am  preserved  from  anger  and  mur- 
muring ;  my  soid  is  wholly  given  up  to  God. 

I  am  now  about  entering  upon  the  business  of  the  confe- 
rences for  the  present  year ;  all  is  peace.  Notwithstanding 
I  have  been  so  highly  favoured,  my  sufferings  may  be  lessened 
by  an  earlier  move  to  the  south ;  I  will  therefore  remember 
to  be  on  the  south  side  of  the  Potomac  by  the  middle  of  No- 
vember, if  circumstances  allow. 

Wednesday,  14.  Came  to  brother  Dickenson's,  Caroline 
county,  and  waited  for  the  preachers  composing  the  conference 
in  the  central  district  of  Virginia. 

In  the  evening  the  brethren  came  together;  we  opened 
conference,  and  went  through  a  great  part  of  our  minute 
work ;  all  was  peace  and  love.  We  had  searching  work  in 
speaking  experiences,  and  in  examining  the  young  men  who 
offered  as  candidates  for  the  ministry. 

Friday,  16.  After  fasting  and  prayer  our  conference  rose. 
My  subject  at  the  new  chapel  was  1  Chron.  xxix,  15-17. 
Saturday  I  rode  to  Hanover  Town. 

Sunday,  18.  I  preached  at  Hanover  on  1  Cor.  ii,  17.  I 

rode  in  the  evening  to  brother  C  -'s.    My  mind  was  in 

peace.    I  journeyed  on  through  Richmond,  Manchester,  and 

Petersburg,  accompanied  by  brothers  E  and  K  ;  on 

Friday  23d,  arriving  at  Lane's  chapel,  where  our  conference 
began  and  ended  in  great  peace. 

Sunday,  25.  I  preached  on  John  iv,  14,  and  had  a  com- 
fortable season  ;  many  spoke  of  the  dealings  of  God  with  their 


140 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Jan.,  1792. 


souls :  the  examination  among  the  preachers  relative  to  charac- 
ter and  experience,  was  very  close :  all  was  meekness  and 
love. 

Tuesday,  27.  We  had  a  long,  cold  ride  to  our  kind  brother 
Blunt's. 

Wednesday,  28.  I  preached  on  1  Peter  iv,  1-4. 

Thursday,  29.  I  rode  twenty-five  miles,  through  very  cold 

weather,  without  taking  any  refreshment,  to  sister  P  's ; 

on  our  way  we  had  a  meeting  at  brother  C  's,  where  many 

attended,  to  whom  I  spoke  with  freedom  on  2  Tim.  ii,  19-21 : 
here  some  wicked  young  men  behaved  quite  out  of  character. 

Sunday,  January  1,  1792.  On  this  beginning  of  the  new 
year,  I  preached  and  had  liberty  on  Isai.  lxv.  1,2.  In  the 
evening  I  once  more  cried  to  the  people  of  Norfolk,  "  Repent, 
and  be  converted:''  my  audience  was  attentive  and  tender. 
My  body  was  greatly  fatigued,  my  soul  much  comforted  in 
the  Lord.  Religion  revives  here,  the  seed  which  has  been 
sowing  for  twenty  years  begins  to  spring  up  :  Norfolk  flour- 
ishes ;  Portsmouth  declines,  and  is  already  low. 

Thursday,  5.  Rode  to  W.  B  's :  there  were  but  few 

people.    On  our  way  thither  brother  M          would  stop  to 

feed  :  I  believe  the  Lord  sent  me  to  speak  a  word  to  a  broken- 
hearted, forsaken,  distressed  woman.  My  soul  enjoys  peace ; 
but  excessive  labour,  and  bodily  suffering  from  the  cold,  pre- 
vent that  deep  communion  with  God  I  wish  for :  I  do  little 
except  reading  a  few  chapters  in  my  Hebrew  Bible. 

North-Carolina. — Sunday,  8.  I  preached  at  the  widow 
Hardy's  to  a  large  congregation  :  I  felt  freedom  in  speaking, 
and  the  souls  of  the  people  appeared  tender.  The  prospect 
of  our  journey  ahead  seemed  gloomy ;  however,  we  came 
down  in  the  snow,  and  got  on  board  a  leaky  flat,  which  we 
were  obliged  to  bale  as  we  went ;  the  ferry  was  five  miles 
wide,  our  horses  restless,  the  river  (Roanoak)  rough,  and  the 
weather  very  cold ;  but  the  Lord  brought  us  safe  to  shore, 
twelve  miles  from  our  destined  place  :  we  were  strangers  to 
the  road,  and  had  not  an  hour's  sun ;  nevertheless,  kind  Pro- 
vidence brought  us  through  the  dark  and  cold  to  brother 


Jan.,  1792.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


141 


Ward's  about  eight  o'clock :  here  I  sold  my  carriage  and  took 
horse  again. 

Thursday,  19.  I  rode  with  no  small  difficulty  to  Green 
Hills,  about  two  hundred  miles,  the  roads  being  covered  with 
snow  and  ice.  Our  conference  began  and  ended  in  great  peace 
and  harmony  :  we  had  thirty-one  preachers  stationed  at  the 
different  houses  in  the  neighbourhood.  I  find  we  have  had  a 
good  work  in  the  eastern  district  of  North  Carolina  in  the  past 
year.  For  some  time  back  I  have  travelled  with  much  diffi- 
culty, having  few  hearers,  much  weakness  of  body,  and 
uncomfortable  weather. 

Monday,  23.  Our  conference  rose.  I  rode  twenty  miles 
through  severe  cold  to  brother  B  's. 

Tuesday,  24.  Brother  Morrell,  my  fellow  traveller,  was  un- 
well :  we  had  our  horses  roughed,  which  detained  us  an  hour 

or  two  after  the  appointed  time.    I  reached  brother  T  's, 

and  said  a  little  from  Philip,  ii,  14-16  ;  but  the  people  could 
not  hear,  their  souls  and  their  bodies  were  cold.  Finding  it 
was  twenty-two  miles  to  my  next  appointment,  I  set  off  with- 
out refreshment,  intending  to  reach  brother  D  's,  near 

Hillsborough ;    on  the  way,  however,  hearing  of  brother 

S  ,  a  local  preacher,  we  called  on  him,  and  he  gave  us 

freely  of  such  things  as  he  had. 

Thursday,  26.  I  was  led  out  with  freedom  on  the  last  two 

verses  of  Heb.  xii,  at  M  's.    I  find  outward  difficulties  in 

my  progress ;  the  roads  are  covered  with  ice  and  snow,  and 
the  severity  of  the  weather  prevents  my  having  an  opportu- 
nity, when  I  wish,  of  spending  time  in  private  exercises ;  but, 
blessed  be  God !  I  am  resigned,  and  am  kept  from  sin,  and 
my  soul  is  stayed  upon  God. 

Friday,  21.  After  riding  thirty  miles  through  ice  and  snow 
to  Rainey's,  I  found  many  people  waiting  for  me,  and  I  be- 
gan, without  any  refreshment,  to  speak  on,  "  This  is  the  vic- 
tory that  overcometh  the  world,  even  our  faith."  1.  I 
endeavoured  to  point  out  the  object  of  this  faith  ;  2.  Its  sub- 
jects ;  3.  Its  nature;  and  4.  Its  victory.  In  our  route 
through  North  Carolina  we  passed  through  Bertie,  Gates, 


142 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Feb.,  1792. 


Tyrrel,  Tarborough,  Franklin,  Wake,  Chatham,  Orange, 
Guilford,  and  Randolph  counties.  We  have  travelled  nearly 
eight  hundred  miles  since  the  7  th  of  December  last  past.  Sel- 
dom have  I  been  tempted  to  a  murmuring  thought ;  it  is  now 
the  29th  of  January:  I  want  nothing  but  more  mental  and 
private  prayer. 

Tuesday,  31.  Yesterday  and  to-day  we  have  ridden  about 
sixty  miles,  a  great  deal  of  the  way  through  heavy  hail  and 
rain.  I  gave  an  exhortation  at  C  's  on  seeking  the  king- 
dom of  God.  Here  we  had  all  things  richly  to  supply  our 
wants ;  and  what  was  still  better,  we  found  the  Lord  had 
souls  in  this  family. 

Soith-Carolina. — February  1.  I  preached  to  a  considera- 
ble congregation  at  M'D  's  on  Acts  xiii,  38. 

Saturday  and  Sunday,  4,  5.  I  attended  a  quarterly 
meeting. 

Monday,  6.  At  Flower's  church.  For  some  time  past  I 
have  enjoyed  much  of  God,  though  suffering  under  indisposition 
of  body,  and  frequently  in  a  crowd  :  I  feel  nothing  but  peace 
in  my  soul,  and  find  power  to  trust  Jehovah  with  his  own  cause. 

Tuesday,  7.  We  reached  sister  Port's.  I  find  there  is  a 
great  commotion  among  the  people,  excited  by  the  conduct 
of  W.  Hammett,  who  has  divided  the  society  in  Charleston, 
and  taken  to  himself  some  chaff  and  some  wheat.  This  is  not 
all — they  say  our  house  will  go  too. 

Wednesday,  8.  We  set  off  after  six  o'clock  in  the  morning  ; 
our  horses  being  over-fed  we  did  not  push  them,  so  that  we 
did  not  reach  Georgetown  until  near  six  in  the  evening.  Af- 
ter my  trials  and  hard  riding  my  cordial  is  to  preach  at  night. 
Except  Georgetown  and  Charleston,  there  are  few  places 
where  I  have  not  a  good  congregation  when  weather  permits. 
I  can  praise  God — my  soul  is  happy  in  Him ;  by  his  grace  I 
am  kept  from  sin,  and  I  still  hope  this  dark  cloud  that  lowers 
over  us  will  yet  break  with  blessings  on  our  heads. 

Thursday,  9.  We  rested ;  and  next  day  came  to  Wappa- 

taw,  and  found  that  brother  S.  C  had  moved.    We  then 

went  to  his  brother's,  whose  wife  was  buried  that  day.  We 


Fed.,  1792.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


143 


were  fatigued  and  cold,  and  rejoiced  to  find  we  were  not 
compelled  to  take  up  our  lodgings  under  a  pine-tree. 

Saturday,  11.  Arrived  in  Charleston.  I  received  a  full 
and  true  account  of  Mr.  Hammett's  proceedings.  Brothers 

E  and  P          have  done  all  things  well.    Mr.  Hammett 

had  three  grand  objections  to  us: — 1.  The  American  preach- 
ers and  people  insulted  him.  2.  His  name  was  not  printed 
in  our  Minutes.  3.  The  ?wta  bene  cautioning  minute  was  di- 
rected against  him.  He  has  gone  to  the  New-Market,  to 
preach,  and  has  drawn  about  twenty  white  members  after 
him.  We  are  considered  by  him  as  seceders  from  Methodism! 
— because  we  do  not  wear  gowns  and  powder ;  and  because 
toe  did  not  pay  sufficient  respect  to  Mr.  Wesley  ! 

Salbath,  12.  My  subject  was  Isa.  liii,  11.  Brother  H. 
preached  in  the  afternoon. 

Tuesday,  14.  Our  conference  began.  I  preached  at  night 
on  Luke  xxiv,  17,  and  endeavoured  to  show  the  low  estate  of 
the  interest  of  Christ  at  that  time.  In  our  conference  we 
were  unusually  close  in  examination  of  characters,  doctrines, 
and  experience  :  we  had  great  peace  and  some  power  amongst 
us,  and  received  the  good  news  of  eighty  souls  being  con- 
verted in  Philadelphia,  and  of  a  revival  in  Connecticut. 

I  preached  a  sermon  to  the  preachers,  on  "  Endure  hard- 
ness as  a  good  soldier  of  Jesus  Christ." 

Saturday,  1 8.  I  received  an  abusive,  anonymous  letter  (I 
believe  from  Mr.  S.)  on  several  subjects.  My  spirits  were 
low ;  I  came  from  my  knees  to  receive  the  letter,  and  having 
read  it,  I  returned  whence  1  came  ;  I  judged  it  prudent  and 
expedient,  and  I  think  I  was  urged  thereto  by  conscience,  to 
tell  the  people  of  some  things  relating  to  myself.  I  related 
to  them  the  manner  of  my  coming  to  America ;  how  I  con- 
tinued during  the  war ;  the  arrival  of  Dr.  Coke,  and  the 
forming  of  the  American  Methodists  into  a  Church ;  and  finally, 
why  I  did  not  commit  the  charge  of  the  society  in  Charles- 
ton, to  Mr.  Hammett,  who  was  unknown,  a  foreigner,  and  did 
not  acknowledge  the  authority  of,  nor  join  in  connexion 
with,  the  American  conference. 


144 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.          [Feb.,  1792. 


Sunday,  19.  I  preached  on  "Who  is  on  the  Lord's  side?" 

Mr.  M  s  sent  in  his  resignation.    For  certain  reasons  we 

were  led  to  pass  over  his  character,  but  we  were  wrong  ;  it 
might  have  been  better  to  subject  it  to  scrutiny,  although 
none  grieved  at  his  going  from  us. 

Monday,  20.  /  came  out  of  the  fire.  Rode  to  Parker's 
ferry. 

Tuesday,  21.  Came  to  Mr.  Lambright's,  and  next  day  had 
a  heavy  ride  to  Maixer's,  and  missed  my  congregation  after 
all,  and  so  I  did  at  Hudson's,  in  Georgia  ;  however,  I  spoke  a 
few  words  to  a  few  people,  and  it  was  felt. 

Friday,  24.  We  had  fifty  miles  to  ride,  but  had  the  advan- 
tage of  good  roads.    Stopped  at  F  's,  and  then  came  op  to 

brother  M  's ;  he  and  his  father  have  kindly  entertained 

us  as.  the  servants  of  the  Lord. 

Saturday,  25.  I  had  an  attentive  and  feeling  people  at 

Providence,  where  I  saw  C  ,  «nd  learned  that  poor 

Henry,  the  Jew,  (mentioned  March  9,  1791,)  was  dead,  and 
died  wretched  in  body  and  mind,  a  few  months  after  my  de- 
parture. Let  preachers  or  people  catch  me  in  Waynesbo- 
rough  until  things  are  altered  and  bettered.  Since  last 
Monday  I  have  ridden  one  hundred  and  eighty  miles,  and  was 
obliged  to  ride  on,  though  late,  to  prevent  man  and  beast 
being  on  the  road  on  the  Sabbath  day.  My  mind  was  pow- 
erfully struck  with  a  sense  of  the  great  duty  of  preaching  in 
all  companies ;  of  always  speaking  boldly  and  freely  for  God 
as  if  in  the  pulpit. 

Georgia. — Sabbath  morning,  26.  I  made  frequent  visits 
to  the  throne  of  grace,  and  feel  my  soul  comforted  in  God's 
word,  "  Instead  of  thy  fathers,  thou  shalt  have  sons,  whom 
thou  shalt  make  princes  in  all  the  land  :"  I  feel  solemn  ;  the 
burden  of  the  work  lies  on  me ;  the  preachers  have  left,  and 
are  leaving  the  field. 

Monday,  27.  We  rode  thirty  miles  to  White  Oak  meeting- 
house— a  painful  journey ;  the  weather  was  cold,  and  the 
house  open ;  the  people,  however,  were  attentive.  It  is  not 
pleasing  to  the  flesh  to  take  only  a  little  tea  at  seven  o'clock 


Mar.,  1792.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


115 


in  the  morning,  and  then  go  until  six  at  night  before  we  have 
a  table  spread  ;  and  ah  !  how  few  Christian  houses  !  I  had 
my  trials  in  the  evening. 

Tuesday,  28.  We  rode  through  the  snow  to  Little  River, 

and  a  few  people  met  us  at  S  's :  I  preached  on  2  Tim. 

iv,  2-4.  Without  staying  to  eat,  we  rode  on  to  Washington, 
making  thirty  miles  this  day  also.  We  collected  our  confer- 
ence, and  had  great  searching  and  sifting,  and  were  under  the 
necessity  of  suspending  one  ;  we  were  very  close  in  examining 
characters  and  principles  :  each  preacher  spoke  his  experience, 
and  made  his  observations  relative  to  the  work  of  God  since 
last  conference.  Brother  Hull  accompanies  me,  and  H.  Her- 
bert repairs  to  Alexandria  in  Virginia.  I  hope  in  future  there 
will  be  harmony  among  the  brethren :  if  souls  are  converted 
to  God  it  answers  no  valuable  purpose  thereafter  to  disciple 
them  to  ourselves.  I  preached  on  the  marriage  supper,  and 
took  occasion  to  show  how  some  are  kept  from,  and  others 
lose,  the  grace  of  God  by  the  unlawful  use  of  lawful  things. 

Saturday,  March  3.  Rode  to  Fishing  Creek,  and  had  an 
uncomfortable  time  on  the  Sabbath  at  Bibb's  Cross  Roads. 

South  Carolina. — Monday,  5.  I  left  Georgia,  and  lodged 
near  Whitehall  in  South  Carolina. 

Tuesday,  6.  Rode  fifty  miles  to  brother  Finch's  ;  here  the 
brethren  gave  me  a  meeting  on  Wednesday ;  the  congregation 
was  small,  and  the  people  unengaged ;  rode  that  evening  to 
Odle's,  and  the  next  day  to  Watter's. 

Sunday,  11.  Preached  at  Smith's  on  Romans,  v,  1-3; 
and  kept  the  holy,  solemn  Sabbath  as  a  day  of  rest  for  man 
and  beast. 

North  Carolina. — Monday,  12.  Rode  forty  miles  to  Ma- 
jor Moor's,  cold  and  weary.  I  have  read  two  volumes  of 
Gordon's  American  Revolution,  containing  about  one  thou- 
sand pages.    We  came  to  the  widow  M  's  :  here  we  heard 

that  fifty  poor  wandering  sinners  had  been  brought  back  to 
God  in  this  wild  place,  and  we  rejoiced  at  the  glad  tidings. 

Friday,  16.  I  was  very  much  chilled  in  riding  twenty-five 
miles  over  the  mountains  to  Wiltshire's :  at  three  o'clock  I 

Vol.  II.— 7  ' 


146 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Mar.,  1792. 


preached  on  Heb.  iii,  12-14.  I  was  very  unwell  and  in 
much  pain.  There  was  a  poor  man  in  the  house  who  was 
wild  enough  to  swim  the  river  on  a  mare  with  another  man 
behind  him — what  a  mercy  that  he  was  not  drowned ! 

Saturday,  1*7.  I  felt  death  in  some  measure  at  this  place. 
Brother  Hull  preached  and  I  exhorted. 

Sunday,  18.  We  had  a  close  love-feast,  and  a  few  testimo- 
nies of  the  power  and  love  of  Christ :  there,  was  some  little 
melting  also  amongst  the  people ;  but  it  is  hard  to  civilize, 
methodize,  and  spiritualize ;  sin,  Satan,  flesh,  and  hell  are 
against  us. 

We  have  rested  two  days  besides  Sabbaths,  and  ridden  two 
hundred  and  fifty  miles  in  about  two  weeks :  our  entertain- 
ment is  generally  mean. 

Monday,  19.  Our  horses'  backs  being  bruised,  we  had  our 
difficulties  in  getting  to  Rehoboth. 

We  were  well-nigh  cast  away  in  going  to  the  widow 

W  's.    It  was  very  dark,  and  we  were  bewildered  in  the 

woods.  My  saddle  turned,  and  I  slipped  from  my  horse,  but 
received  no  harm.  I  had  to  walk  nearly  half  a  mile  through 
mud  and  water  to  reach  the  house. 

Tuesday,  20.  I  came  to  Gordon's,  on  the  Yadkin.  It  is 
seven  years  since  I  was  here — dead  !  dead  !  The  world — 
the  devil — Antinomianism  in  doctrine  and  practice.  I  was 
led  out  in  preaching  on  Deut.  xxxiii,  29. 

Wednesday,  21.  We  started  for  Holstein.  After  riding 
about  fifteen  miles,  we  stopped  to  feed,  and  a  woman  directed 
us  along  the  new  way  over  the  Elk  Spur.  We  found  our- 
selves in  a  wilderness.  The  weather  was  very  cold,  and  the 
night  coming  on,  we  were  at  a  loss  what  to  do.  Whilst  we 
were  wishfully  looking  about  us,  to  our  great  satisfaction  we 
discovered  a  house.  It  was  clean  and  comfortable,  and  we 
were  well  entertained. 

Virginia. —  Thursday,  22.  We  made  an  early  start  for 
friend  Osborne's,  on  New  River,  fifteen  miles  distant.  Here 
we  were  generously  entertained.  After  talking  and  praying 
together,  we  were  guided  across  the  river,  for  which  I  was 


Apr.,  1792.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


147 


thankful.    Arriving  at  Fox  Creek,  we  crossed  it  eleven  times, 

and  tarried  that  night  with  C  ,  a  nominal  member  of  the 

Society  of  Friends,  who  used  us  very  well. 

Friday,  23.  Rode  twelve  miles  to  S  's.    After  dinner, 

exhortation,  and  prayer,  we  came  down  the  south  fork,  and 
crossed  the  middle  fork  of  Holstein  river. 

Saturday,  24.  Came  to  the  Salt  Works,  and  on  Sunday 
preached  on,  "  Happy  is  the  people  whose  God  is  the  Lord." 

Monday,  26.  I  had  enlargement  in  preaching  to  an  atten- 
tive congregation  at  Abingdon  court-house. 

Tuesday,  27.  Preached  at  Owen's  on,  "  This  people  have  I 
formed  for  myself." 

Thursday,  29.  We  had  many  people  to  hear  at  Charles 
Baker's,  to  whom  I  preached  with  some  life.  We  took  half 
a  day  to  have  the  smith's  work  done  in  fitting  our  horses  for 
the  journey  through  the  wilderness. 

Tennessee. — Rode  twenty-four  miles  to  Mr.  Y  's,  on 

the  main  Holstein ;  and  the  next  day,  eighteen  miles  to 
Hawkins  court-house,  and  thence  to  Crabb's.  We  have  con- 
fused accounts  of  Indians.  Our  guard  rested  on  the  Sabbath- 
day  within  four  miles  of  the  wilderness. 

Saturday,  31.  I  heard  a  company  had  arrived  from  Ken- 
tucky at  Crabb's.  This  man's  son  and  a  Mr.  Henderson 
have  been  killed  by  the  Indians  since  I  was  here  last. 

Sunday,  April  1.  I  preached  to  all  the  people  I  could 
collect. 

Monday,  2.  We  entered  the  wilderness  and  reached  Rob- 
inson's station.  Two  of  the  company  were  on  foot,  carrying 
their  packs  ;  and  women  there  are  with  their  children.  These 
encumbrances  make  us  move  slowly  and  heavily. 

Kentucky. —  Tuesday,  3.  We  reached  Richland  Creek,  and 
were  preserved  from  harm.  About  two  o'clock  it  began  to 
rain,  and  continued  most  of  the  day  After  crossing  the 
Laurel  River,  which  we  were  compelled  to  swim,  we  came 
to  Rock  Castle  station,  where  we  found  such  a  set  of  sinners 
as  made  it  next  to  hell  itself.  Our  corn  here  cost  us  a  dol- 
lar per  bushel. 


148 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Apr.,  1792. 


Wednesday,  4.  This  morning  we  again  swam  the  river,  and 
also  the  West  Fork  thereof.  My  little  horse  was  ready  to 
fail  in  the  course  of  the  day.  I  was  steeped  in  the  water  up 
to  the  waist.  About  seven  o'clock,  with  hard  pushing,  we 
reached  the  Crab  Orchard.  How  much  I  have  suffered  in 
this  journey  is  only  known  to  God  and  myself.  What  added 
much  to  its  disagreeableness,  is  the  extreme  filthiness  of  the 
houses.  I  was  seized  with  a  severe  flux,  which  followed  me 
eight  days :  for  some  of  the  time  I  kept  up,  but  at  last  found 
myself  under  the  necessity  of  taking  to  my  bed. 

Tuesday,  10.  I  endured  as  severe  pain  as,  perhaps,  I  ever 
felt.  I  made  use  of  small  portions  of  rhubarb ;  and  also  ob- 
tained some  good  claret,  of  which  I  drank  a  bottle  in  three 
days,  and  was  almost  well,  so  that  on  Sunday  following  I 
preached  a  sermon  an  hour  long.  In  the  course  of  my  afflic- 
tion I  have  felt  myself  very  low.  I  have  had  serious  views 
of  eternity,  and  was  free  from  the  fear  of  death.  I  stopped 
and  lodged,  during  my  illness,  with  Mr.  Willis  Green,  who 
showed  me  all  possible  attenlion  and  kindness. 

I  wrote  and  sent  to  Mr.  Rice,  a  Presbyterian  minister,  a 
commendation  of  his  speech,  delivered  in  a  convention  in 
Kentucky,  on  the  natural  rights  of  mankind.  I  gave  him  an 
exhortation  to  call  on  the  Methodists  on  his  way  to  Philadel- 
phia, and,  if  convenient,  to  preach  in  our  houses. 

Tuesday,  11.  I  wrote  an  address  on  behalf  of  Bethel 
school.  The  weather  Avas  wet,  and  stopped  us  until 
Friday. 

Friday,  20.  Rode  to  Clarke's  station ;  and  on  Saturday 
preached  on  David's  charge  to  Solomon. 

Sunday,  22.  I  preached  a  long,  and  perhaps  a  terrible 
sermon,  some  may  think,  on  "  Knowing  therefore  the  terror 
of  the  Lord,  we  persuade  men." 

Monday,  23.  I  rode  to  Bethel.  I  found  it  necessary  to 
change  the  plan  of  the  house,  to  make  it  more  comfortable  to 
the  scholars  in  cold  weather.  I  am  too  much  in  company, 
and  hear  so  much  about  Indians,  convention,  treaty,  killing, 
and  scalping,  that  my  attention  is  drawn  more  to  these  things 


Apr.,  1192.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


140 


than  I  could  wish.  I  found  it  good  to  get  alone  in  the  woods 
and  converse  with  God. 

Wednesday,  25.  Was  a  rainy,  damp  day.  However,  we 
rode  to  meet  the  conference,  where  I  was  closely  employed 
with  the  travelling  and  local  preachers  ;  with  the  leaders  and 
stewards.  I  met  the  married  men  and  women  apart,  and  we 
had  great  consolation  in  the  Lord.  Vast  crowds  of  people 
attended  public  worship.  The  spirit  of  matrimony  is  very 
prevalent  here.  In  one  circuit  both  preachers  are  settled. 
The  land  is  good,  the  country  new,  and  indeed  all  possible 
facilities  to  the  comfortable  maintenance  of  a  family  are  offered 
to  an  industrious,  prudent  pair.  ~ 

Monday,  30.  Came  to  L  's.    An  alarm  was  spreading 

of  a  depredation  committed  by  the  Indians,  on  the  east  and 
west  frontiers  of  the  settlement.  In  the  former,  report  says 
one  man  was  killed.  In  the  latter,  many  men,  with  women 
and  children.  Everything  is  in  motion.  There  having  been 
so  many  about  me  at  conference,  my  rest  was  much  broken. 
I  hoped  now  to  repair  it,  and  get  refreshed  before  I  set  out 
to  return  through  the  wilderness;  but  the  continual  arrival 
of  people  until  midnight,  the  barking  of  dogs,  and  other 
annoyances,  prevented.  Next  night  we  reached  the  Crab 
Orchard,  where  thirty  or  forty  people  were  compelled  to 
crowd  into  one  mean  house.  We  could  get  no  more  rest 
here  than  we  did  in  the  wilderness.  We  came  the  old  way 
by  Scaggs  Creek,  and  Rock  Castle,  supposing  it  to  be  safer, 
as  it  was  a  road  less  frequented,  and  therefore  less  liable  to 
be  waylaid  by  the  savages.  My  body  by  this  time  is  well 
tried.  I  had  a  violent  fever  and  pain  in  the  head,  such  as  I 
had  not  lately  felt.  I  stretched  myself  on  the  cold  ground, 
and  borrowing  clothes  to  keep  me  warm,  by  the  mercy  of 
God  I  slept  four  or  five  hours.  Next  morning  we  set  off 
early,  and  passed  beyond  Richland  Creek.  Here  we  were  in 
danger,  if  anywhere.  I  could  have  slept,  but  was  afraid. 
Seeing  the  drowsiness  of  the  company,  I  walked  the  encamp- 
ment, and  watched  the  sentries  the  whole  night.  Early  next 
morning  we  made  our  way  to  Robinson's  station.    We  had 


150 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1*792. 


the  best  company  I  ever  met  with — thirty-six  good  travellers, 
and  a  few  warriors ;  but  we  had  a  pack-horse,  some  old  men, 
and  two  tired  horses — these  were  not  the  best  part. 

Virginia. — Saturday,  May  5.  Through  infinite  mercy  we 
came  safe  to  Crabb's.  Rest,  poor  house  of  clay,  from  such 
exertions  !   Return,  O  my  soul,  to  thy  rest ! 

Monday,  7. 1  came  to  Young's  :  a  comfortable,  quiet  house, 
within  six  miles  of  Ratcliffe's,  whose  wife  and  children  were 
murdered  by  the  Indians.    Here  I  slept  comfortably. 

Tuesday,  8.  We  came  to  brother  Baker's,  where  we  rested 
two  days,  and  had  our  horses  shod. 

Friday,  11.  Rod^e  to  Halfacre's,  about  fifty  miles,  and 
came  in  about  eleven  o'clock. 

Saturday,  Sunday,  and  Monday,  12,  13,  14.  We  were 
engaged  in  the  business  of  conference  at  Holstein.  I  had  a 
meeting  with  the  men  ;  a  lively  one  with  the  women,  most  of 
whose  hearts  the  Lord  touched. 

Tuesday,  15.  We  came  to  Russell's  old  place,  at  Seven 
Mile  Ford,  and  next  day  set  out  for  Greenbrier,  and  reached 

C  's.    My  spirits  were  too  lively  and  disposed  to  gayety, 

which  indulged,  perhaps  too  far,  made  me  feel  mean  before 
the  Lord. 

Thursday,  17.  Rode  to  Hogg's,  and  next  day  to  M  's; 

forty  miles  each  day.  The  roads  were  better  than  I  ex- 
pected. 

Saturday,  19.  Rode  twenty  miles.  My  weary  body  feels 
the  want  of  rest ;  but  my  heart  rejoiced  to  meet  with  the 
brethren  who  were  waiting  for  me.  I  am  more  than  ever 
convinced  of  the  need  and  propriety  of  annual  conferences, 
and  of  greater  changes  among  the  preachers.  I  am  sensible 
the  western  parts  have  suffered  by  my  absence.  I  lament 
this,  and  deplore  my  loss  of  strict  communion  with  God, 
occasioned  by  the  necessity  I  am  under  of  constant  riding, 
change  of  place,  company,  and  sometimes  disagreeable 
company,  loss  of  sleep,  and  the  difficulties  of  clambering 
over  rocks  and  mountains,  and  journeying  at  the  rate  of 
seven  or  eight  hundred  miles  per  month,  and  sometimes  forty 


May,  1792.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


151 


or  fifty  miles  a  day.  These  have  been  a  part  of  my  labours, 
and  make  no  small  share  of  my  hinderances. 

I  crossed  the  Kanhaway  at  Paris's  ferry.  Here  I  con- 
versed with  a  man  who  informed  me  a  brother  preacher  had 
called  there,  and,  as  he  said,  was  peevish.  The  dear  man 
was  just  at  death's  door,  and  though  his  exercises  and  bodily 
infirmities  may  have  pressed  him  sore,  and  excited  expressions 
of  discontent,  he  was,  nevertheless,  a  meek  and  holy  servant 
of  God.  My  informant  also  mentioned  another,  who  had  been 
a  member,  and  who  would  swear  horribly  and  drink  to  ex- 
cess. It  is  proper  I  notice,  that  I  did  not  receive  these  ac- 
counts from  a  professor  of  religion.  I  thought  within 
myself — See  how  we  are  watched !  Ah !  Ave  little  think 
oftentimes  how  narrowly  our  conduct,  our  tempers,  are  ob- 
served by  the  world  ;  and  poor  sinners  still  less  imagine  how 
strictly  we  watch  them,  and  how  well  this  habit  of  observa- 
tion, and  the  intimate  knowledge  we  gain  of  our  own  hearts, 
makes  us  competent  judges  of  their  cases,  and  enables  us  so 
justly  and  so  powerfully  to  condemn  their  wickedness. 

Sunday,  20.  I  preached  at  Rehoboth,  on  Isa.lv,  12  ;  there 

was  no  great  move :  brothers  H  and  C— — -  both  spoke 

after  me. 

"Weary  world,  when  will  it  end?" 

My  mind  and  body  feel  dull  and  heavy,  but  still  my  soul 
drinks  deeper  into  God.  We  rode  about  one  hundred  and  sixty 
miles  from  the  Rich  Valley  to  Greenbrier  conference  ;  talking 
too  much,  and  praying  too  little,  caused  me  to  feel  barrenness 
of  soul.  We  had  a  hope  that  not  less  than  ten  souls  were 
converted  during  the  conference  :  at  preaching,  I  myself,  hav- 
ing a  violent  headache,  retired ;  the  Lord  was  with  them  at 
the  sacrament;  after  which,  the  doors  being  opened,  many 
came  in  and  the  meeting  continued  until  nearly  sunset. 

We  had  a  most  solemn  ordination  on  Thursday  morning. 
Aferward  we  rode  through  Greenbrier  by  the  town,  on  to 

brother  W  's,  a  distance  of  thirty-six  miles.    My  headache 

still  continuing,  brother  Hope  Hull  preached,  and  I  retired  to 
rest. 


152 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1*792. 


Friday,  26.  We  rode  twenty-six  miles  to  the  Little  Levels. 
0  what  a  solitary  country  is  this !  We  have  now  one  hundred 
and  twenty  miles  before  us,  fifty  of  which  is  a  wilderness : 
there  is  a  guard  at  two  houses  on  our  route  ;  but  I  do  not  fear  : 
nature  is  spent  with  labour ;  I  would  not  live  always ;  hail ! 
happy  death :  nothing  but  holiness,  perfect  love,  and  then 
glory  for  me  ! 

Saturday,  26.  My  body  is  much  wearied  ;  my  bowels  being 
much  disordered,  the  water,  the  milk,  and  the  bread,  are  like 
physic  to  me.  We  now  thought  it  necessary  to  be  moving ; 
it  was  dreary  work  as  we  rode  along  the  dreary  path  to 
D  's ;  one  of  my  companions,  as  well  as  myself,  was  un- 
well.   From  D  's  we  had  still  forty  miles  to  go,  over  hills 

and  mountains :  this,  I  think,  equalled,  if  not  exceeded,  any 
road  I  had  ever  travelled :  we  at  length  reached  Tygers  Val- 
ley.   We  stopped  at  Capt.  S  's,  where  there  were  several 

families  crowded  together,  for  fear  of  the  Indians.  The  upper 
end  of  the  valley  has  been  depopulated,  one  family  has  been 
destroyed  since  I  was  last  here.    The  Captain's  wifie  was 

decent,  kind,  and  sensible.    Thence  we  wejvt  on  to  W  's, 

where  I  got  some  fowl  soup ;  thence  a  few  miles  to  , 

where  the  woman  of  the  house  was  kind  and  attentive  ;  but  a 
still,  a  mill,  a  store,  cause  much  company,  and  some  not  of 
the  most  agreeable  kind. 

Tuesday,  29.  We  hasted  to  0  's  in  the  Cove,  where  we 

met  with  a  most  kind  and  affectionate  reception.  But  0  the 
flies  for  the  horses,  and  the  gnats  for  the  men  !  And  no  food, 
nor  even  good  water  to  be  had.  I  slept  well,  although  forced, 
ever  and  anon,  to  stir  a  little. 

Wednesday,  30.  We  had  a  dreary  path,  over  desperate  hills, 
for  fifty  miles ;  no  food  for  man  or  beast,  which  caused  both 
to  begin  to  fail  very  sensibly :  my  bowels  continued  to  be  dis- 
ordered, and  had  I  not  procured  a  little  wine,  I  suppose  I 
should  have  failed  altogether. 

Pennsylvania. —  Thursday,  31.  Both  men  and  horses 
travelled  sore  and  wearily  to  Uniontown.  0  how  good  are 
clean  houses,  plentiful  tables,  and  populous  villages,  when 


June,  1*792.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


153 


compared  with  the  rough  world  we  came  through !  Here  I 
turned  out  our  poor  horses  to  pasture  and  to  rest,  after  riding 
them  nearly  three  hundred  miles  in  eight  days. 

Friday,  June  1.  Wrote  letters  to  send  over  the  mountains. 

Saturday,  2.  I  began  to  feel  lame,  and  had  a  severe  touch 
of  the  rheumatism,  accompanied  with  a  high  fever,  which  oc- 
casioned great  pain  to  me  while  sitting  in  conference.  I  found 
it  necessary  to  remove,  by  exchange,  six  of  the  preachers  from 
this  to  the  eastern  district. 

Sunday,  10.  Having  been  too  unwell  to  attend  preaching 
through  the  week,  I  now  ventured  in  public :  a  great  crowd 
of  people  attended,  and  there  was  some  melting  and  moving 
among  them.  I  feel  the  death  of  this  district ;  I  see  what  is 
wanting  here — discipline,  and  the  preaching  a  present  and  full 
salvation,  and  the  enforcement  of  the  doctrine  of  sanctification. 
1  have  been  variously  tried,  and  was  constrained  to  be  cheerful. 

We  have  founded  a  seminary  of  learning  called  Union 
School ;  brother  C.  Conway  is  manager,  who  also  has  charge 
of  the  district :  this  establishment  is  designed  for  instruction 
in  grammar,  languages,  and  the  sciences. 

I  have  had  some  awful  thoughts  lest  my  lameness  should 
grow  upon  me,  and  render  me  useless.  I  sometimes  have 
fears  that  I  am  too  slack  in  speaking  in  public,  at  conferences  ; 
I  also  feel  the  want  of  time  and  places  to  pursue  my  practice 
of  solitary  prayer,  being  frequently  obliged  to  ride  all  the 
day  and  late  at  night,  that  I  may  in  time  reach  the  appointed 
places  to  preach. 

Tuesday,  12.  We  ascended  Laurel  hill,  and  after  forty  miles' 

riding  reached  M  %  quite  weary.    Came  to  L  C  's, 

and  found  the  Lord  was  still  in  this  house :  I  preached,  and 
felt  a  melting  heart,  and  there  was  some  move  in  the  congre- 
gation. I  find  myself  recruited  in  body  and  mind  ;  and  I  feel 
as  if  God  would  work  once  more  amongst  this  people. 

I  was  informed  that  Mr.  Hammett  had  sent  abroad  circular 
letters,  and  had  been  railing  against  the  presiding  eldership,  &c. 
I  am  not  surprised  that  he  should  find  fault  with  the  office — 
its  duties  he  was  a  man  not  likely  to  fulfil ;  yet  had  it  not 
7* 


154 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [June,  1792. 


been  for  the  power  attached  to  it,  how  greatly  might  Mr.  Ham- 
mett  hare  confused  the  society  in  Charleston,  and  perplexed 
the  preachers  in  the  district !  The  Lord  will  see  to  his  own 
house. 

Maryland. — I  preached  at  Fort  Cumberland,  in  our  new 

house,  to  many  people.    Dined  with  Mr.  D  ,  at  whose 

house  I  was  entertained  the  first  time  I  visited  this  town :  0 
that  each  of  the  family  may  be  everlastingly  saved  !  It  is  now 
three  years  since  I  came  down  this  road.  Swift-winged  time, 
0  how  it  flies !  My  body  is  in  better  health,  and  my  soul  in 
great  peace;  I  feel  no  wrong  temper.  0  that  my  whole 
heart  might  be  running  out  in  holiness  after  God ! 

Lord's  day,  17.  We  had  a  solemn  meeting,  whilst  I  en- 
larged on,  "  Blessed  are  they  that  hear  the  word  of  God  and 
keep  it."    It  was  a  good  season. 

Virginia. — Monday,  18.  Rode  to  Bath.  Here  I  had  the 
opportunity  of  writing  to  all  the  connected  preachers  in  the 
district. 

Friday,  22.  In  the  evening  I  preached  with  some  assistance 
on  Luke  xix,  1 0. 

Saturday,  23.  I  attended  quarterly  meeting  at  the  widow 
Flint's.  Here  I  had  the  first  sight  of  Mr.  Hammett's  and  bro- 
ther Tlios.  Morrell's  attacks  on  each  other — or  rather  Mr.  Ham- 
mett's against  the  Methodists,  and  brother  Morrell's  reply. 
Had  brother  M.  known  more,  he  would  have  replied  better. 
Mr.  H.'s  quotation  of  a  clause  in  my  confidential  letter  to  bro- 
ther S  d,  is  not  altogether  just.    He  has  also  misquoted 

the  cautio?i,  leaving  out  the  word  "  District,"  which,  when  re- 
tained, shows  it  to  have  been  American,  and  to  have  been 
directed  against  American  apostates  and  impostors. 

Sabbath  day,  24.  We  had  a  living  love-feast,  although  the 
house  was  crowded,  and  warm,  almost  past  sufferance. 

Tuesday,  26.  I  had  a  sweet  opening  at  the  quarterly  meet- 
ing, on  Ephes.  ii,  12.  I  met  the  preachers,  leaders,  and  stew- 
aids,  and  they  resolved  to  enter  more  fully  into  the  spirit  of 
discipline.  Next  day  I  preached  on,  "My  Spirit  shall  not 
always  strive  with  man." 


July,  1792.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


155 


Pennsylvania. — Rode  twenty-two  miles  to  S  town, 

weary  and  warm ;  the  people  were  waiting,  and  I  began  on 
"  An  adulterous  and  sinful  generation."  This  is  a  poor  place 
for  religion. 

Friday,  29.  I  rode  nearly  fifty  miles  through  excessive  heat, 
and  felt  somewhat  like  Jonah. 

Saturday,  30.  I  was  taken  up  with  writing  letters,  having 
received  accounts  from  Cokcsbury.  The  college  seems  to  be 
the  weighty  concern  for  the  present. 

Sunday,  July  I.  I  had  heavy  work;  no  freedom  at  D. 

W  's :  nothing  will  do  here  but  discipline.     I  felt  my 

spirit  much  humbled  before  the  Lord,  and  a  willingness  to 
suffer. 

Tuesday,  3.  Rode  to  A.  Kageell  ;  it  was  the  harvest  home. 
I  feel  it  my  duty  to  press  the  people  of  God  to  go  on  to  holi- 
ness of  heart  and  life.  As  the  next  morning  was  rainy,  we 
staved  until  the  afternoon,  and  then  rode  to  see  our  old  bro- 
ther M.  Behem.  We  had  a  tender,  feeling  season  on  1  John 
i,  8,  on  Salvation  from  all  sin.  At  Strasburg,  in  the  after- 
noon, we  had  a  solemn  meeting ;  a  young  woman,  who  was 
married  a  few  minutes  before  worship  began,  was  powerfully 
struck  under  the  word,  and  wept  greatly.  0  may  she  mourn 
until  a  second  marriage  takes  place  in  her  soul ! 

Friday,  6.  We  had  a  long  ride  to  Morgantown :  we  came 
in  at  eleven  o'clock,  being  much  fatigued.  I  discoursed  on 
the  likeness  between  Moses  and  Christ,  in  the  academical 
church.  This  building  is  well  designed  for  a  school  and  a 
church.  I  directed  Esquire  Morgan  to  one  of  our  local 
preachers  as  a  teacher. 

We  set  out  for  Coventry  Forge,  but  we  missed  our  way, 
and  came  to  brother  Meredic's,  in  the  valley.  I  prayed 
heartily  for,  and  spoke  plainly  to,  the  young  people.  O  that 
the  Lord  would  follow  them  powerfully  ! 

Sedwrday,  7.  This  day  my  soul  enjoyed  the  presence  of 
God.    I  dined  at  Radnor,  and  went  into  Philadelphia. 

Sunday,  8.  I  preached  at  Ebenezer  church  on  James  iv,  8  : 
at  St.  George's  church  on  Mark  viii,  38.    I  had  large  accounts 


156 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [July,  1792. 


from  the  eastward,  and  am  requested  to  send  them  more 
preachers.  After  twenty  years'  standing  of  the  house  in  our 
hands,  the  galleries  are  put  up  in  our  old  new  church. 

Monday  and  Tuesday,  9,  10.  Employed  in  reading  and 
writing.    I  wish  to  he  alone.    0  how  sweet  is  solitude ! 

Wednesday,  11.  I  sought  and  obtained  peace  between 
two  brethren  who  had,  unhappily,  been  at  variance. 

New- Jersey. —  Thursday,  12.  Rode  through  great  heat 
and  dust  to  Burlington,  New-Jersey.  Here  I  had  many  of 
my  old,  and  some  new  hearers  :  but  some  are  much  wiser 
than  they  were  twenty  years  ago.  We  had  a  cold  time  of  it, 
whilst  I  spoke  on  Heb.  iv,  7. 

Friday,  13.   After  preaching  at   's,  we  rode  on  to 

brother  H  's.    He  is  resolved,  that  after  he  and  his  wife 

are  served,  the  remainder  of  his  whole  estate  shall  go  to  the 
Church ;  his  plantation  to  be  rented,  and  the  annual  income 
to  be  applied  as  the  conference  held  for  Pennsylvania  and  the 
Jerseys  shall  please  to  direct. 

New-York. — Sunday,  15.  Preached  at  our  church  on 
Staten  Island.  I  was  very  close  on  the  law  and  the  gospel — 
a  few  felt ;  but  it  was  a  dry  time.    Lord,  help  us  ! 

Monday  16.  We  hasted  to  V  's  ferry  ;  but  found  our- 
selves detained  by  the  absence  of  both  boats,  so  that  we  did 
not  so  soon  as  we  expected  reach  New- York.  I  did  not  find 
that  life  and  harmony  here  that  there  have  been  in  times  past. 
I  have  just  now  obtained  and  am  reading  Mr.  Wesley's  Life, 
the  work  of  Dr.  Coke  and  Mr.  Moore,  containing  five  hundred 
and  forty-two  pages.  It  is  in  general  well  compiled  ;  but  the 
history  of  American  Methodism  is  inaccurate  in  some  of  its 
details,  and  in  some  which  are  interesting.  For  some  days 
past  I  have  been  occupied  in  reading,  and  in  meeting  the 
several  women's  classes,  and  found  the  Lord  was  amongst 
them. 

As  very  probably  all  of  my  life  which  I  shall  be  able  to 
write  will  be  found  in  my  journal,  it  will  not  be  improper  to 
relate  something  of  my  earlier  years,  and  to  give  a  brief  ac- 
count of  my  first  labours  in  the  ministry. 


Ji  lt,  1792.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


157 


I  was  born  in  Old  England,  near  the  foot  of  Hampstead- 
Bridge,  in  the  parish  of  Handsworth,  about  four  miles  from 
Birmingham,  in  Staffordshire,  and  according  to  the  best  of 
my  after-knowledge,  on  the  20th  or  21st  day  of  August,  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  1745. 

My  father's  name  was  Joseph,  and  my  mother's,  Elizabeth 
Asbury  :  they  were  people  in  common  life ;  were  remarkable 
for  honesty  and  industry,  and  had  all  things  needful  to  enjoy ; 
had  my  father  been  as  saving  as  laborious,  he  might  have 
been  wealthy.  As  it  w*as,  it  was  his  province  to  be  employed 
as  a  farmer  and  gardener  by  the  two  richest  families  in  the 
parish.  My  parents  had  but  two  children — a  daughter,  called 
Sarah,  and  myself.  My  lovely  sister  died  in  infancy  ;  she 
was  a  favourite,  and  my  dear  mother  being  very  affectionate, 
sunk  into  deep  distress  at  the  loss  of  a  darling  child,  from 
which  she  was  not  relieved  for  many  years.  It  was  under 
this  dispensation  that  God  was  pleased  to  open  the  eyes  of 
her  mind,  she  living  in  a  very  dark,  dark,  dark  day  and  place. 
She  now  began  to  read  almost  constantly  when  leisure  pre- 
sented the  opportunity.  When  a  child,  I  thought  it  strange 
my  mother  should  stand  by  a  large  Avindow  poring  over  a 
book  for  hours  together.  From  my  childhood  I  may  say,  I 
have  neither 

"  dared  an  oath,  nor  hazarded  a  lie." 

The  love  of  truth  is  not  natural,  but  the  habit  of  telling  it 
I  acquired  very  early  ;  and  so  well  was  I  taught,  that  my 
conscience  would  never  permit  me  to  swear  profanely.  I 
learned  from  my  parents  a  certain  form  of  words  for  prayer, 
and  I  well  remember  my  mother  strongly  urged  my  father 
to  family  reading  and  prayer ;  the  singing  of  psalms  was 
much  practised  by  them  both.  My  foible  was  the  ordinary 
foible  of  children — fondness  for  play ;  but  I  abhorred  mis- 
chief and  wickedness,  although  my  mates  were  amongst  the 
vilest  of  the  vile  for  lying,  swearing,  fighting,  and  whatever 
else  boys  of  their  age  and  evil  habits  were  likely  to  be  guilty 
of:  from  such  society  I  very  often  returned  home  uneasy 
and  melancholy  ;  and  although  driven  away  by  my  better 


158 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [July,  1*792. 


principles,  still  I  would  return,  hoping  to  find  happiness 
wh*ere  1  never  found  it.  Sometimes  I  was  much  ridiculed, 
and  called  Methodist  Parson,  because  my  mother  invited  any 
people  who  had  the  appearance  of  religion  to  her  house. 

I  was  sent  to  school  early,  and  began  to  read  the  Bible 
between  six  and  seven  years  of  age,  and  greatly  delighted  in 
the  historical  part  of  it.  My  schoolmaster  was  a  great  churl, 
and  used  to  beat  me  cruelly ;  this  drove  me  to  prayer,  and  it 
appeared  to  me,  that  God  was  near  to  me.  My  father  having 
but  the  one  son,  greatly  desired  to  keep  me  at  school,  he 
cared  not  how  long :  but  in  this  design  he  was  disappointed  ; 
for  my  master,  by  his  severity,  had  filled  me  with  such  hor- 
rible dread,  that  with  me  anything  was  preferable  to  going 
to  school.  I  lived  some  time  in  one  of  the  wealthiest  and 
most  ungodly  families  we  had  in  the  parish  :  here  I  became 
vain,  but  not  openly  wicked.  Some  months  after  this  I  re- 
turned home  ;  and  made  my  choice,  when  about  thirteen 
years  and  a  half  old,  to  learn  a  branch  of  business  at  which 
I  wrought  about  six  years  and  a  half :  during  this  time  I 
enjoyed  great  liberty,  and  in  the  family  was  treated  more  like 
a  son  or  an  equal  than  an  apprentice. 

Soon  after  I  entered  on  that  business,  God  sent  a  pious 
man,  not  a  Methodist,  into  our  neighbourhood,  and  my  mother 
invited  him  to  our  house ;  by  his  conversation  and  prayers,  I 
was  awakened  before  I  was  fourteen  years  of  age.  It  was 
now  easy  and  pleasing  to  leave  my  company,  and  I  began  to 
pray  morning  and  evening,  being  drawn  by  the  cords  of  love, 
as  with  the  bands  of  a  man.  I  soon  left  our  blind  priest,  and 
went  to  West-Bromwich  church :  here  I  heard  Ryland,  Still- 
ingfleet,  Talbot,  Bagnall,  Mansfield,  llawcs,  and  Venn — great 
names,  and  esteemed  Gospel  ministers.  I  became  very  se- 
rious ;  reading  a  great  deal — Whitefield  and  Cennick's  Ser- 
mons, and  every  good  book  I  could  meet  with.  It  was  not 
long  before  I  began  to  inquire  of  my  mother  who,  where, 
what  were  the  Methodists  :  she  gave  me  a  favourable  account, 
and  directed  me  to  a  person  that  could  take  me  to  Wednesbuiy 
to  hear  them.    I  soon  found  this  was  not  the  Church — but  it 


July,  1792.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


159 


was  better.  The  people  were  so  devout — men  and  women 
kneeling  down — saying  Amen.  Now,  behold !  they  were 
singing  hymns — sweet  sound !  Why,  strange  to  tell !  the 
preacher  had  no  prayer-book,  and  yet  he  prayed  wonderfully  ! 
What  was  yet  more  extraordinary,  the  man  took  his  text, 
and  had  no  sermon-book  :  thought  I,  this  is  wonderful  indeed  ! 
It  is  certainly  a  strange  way,  but  the  best  way.  He  talked 
about  confidence,  assurance,  &c. — of  which  all  my  flights  and 
hopes  fell  short.  I  had  no  deep  convictions,  nor  had  I  com- 
mitted any  deep  known  sins.  At  one  sermon,  some  time 
after,  my  companion  was  powerfully  wrought  on  :  I  was  ex- 
ceedingly grieved  that  I  could  not  weep  like  him ;  yet  I 
knew  myself  to  be  in  a  state  of  unbelief.  On  a  certain  time 
when  we  were  praying  in  my  father's  barn,  I  believe  the  Lord 
pardoned  my  sins  and  justified  my  soul ;  but  my  companions 
reasoned  me  out  of  this  belief,  saying,  "  Mr.  Mather  said  a 
believer  was  as  happy  as  if  he  was  in  heaven."  I  thought  I 
was  not  as  happy  as  I  would  be  there,  and  gave  up  my  con- 
fidence, and  that  for  months ;  yet  I  was  happy,  free  from 
guilt  and  fear,  and  had  power  over  sin,  and  felt  great  inward 
joy.  After  this,  we  met  for  reading  and  prayer,  and  had 
large  and  good  meetings,  and  were  much  persecuted,  until 
the  persons  at  whose  houses  we  held  them  were  afraid,  and 
they  were  discontinued.  I  then  held  meetings  frequently  at 
my  father's  house,  exhorting  the  people  there,  as  also  at 
Sutton  Colefield,  and  several  souls  professed  to  find  peace 
through  jny  labours.  I  met  class  awhile  at  Bromwich-Heath, 
and  met  in  band  at  Wednesbury.  I  had  preached  some 
months  before  I  publicly  appeared  in  the  Methodist  meeting- 
houses ;  when  my  labours  became  more  public  and  extensive, 
some  were  amazed,  not  knowing  how  I  had  exercised  else- 
where. Behold  me  now  a  local  preacher ! — the  humble  and 
willing  servant  of  any  and  of  every  preacher  that  called  on 
me  by  night  or  by  day ;  being  ready,  with  hasty  steps,  to  go 
far  and  wide  to  do  good,  visiting  Derbyshire,  Staffordshire, 
Warwickshire,  Worcestershire,  and  indeed  almost  every  place 
within  my  reach,  for  the  sake  of  precious  souls  ;  preaching, 


160 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [July,  1792. 


generally,  three,  four,  and  five  times  a  week,  and  at  the  same 
time  pursuing  my  calling.  I  think,  when  I  was  between 
twenty-one  and  twenty-two  years  of  age  I  gave  myself  up  to 
God  and  his  work,  after  acting  as  a  local  preacher  near  the 
space  of  five  years.  It  is  now  the  19th  of  July,  1792  :  I 
have  been  labouring  for  God  and  souls  about  thirty  years,  or 
upwards. 

Some  time  after  I  had  obtained  a  clear  witness  of  my  ac- 
ceptance with  God,  the  Lord  showed  me,  in  the  heat  of  youth 
and  youthful  blood,  the  evil  of  my  heart :  for  a  short  time  I 
enjoyed,  as  I  thought,  the  pure  and  perfect  love  of  God  ; 
but  this  happy  frame  did  not  long  continue,  although,  at 
seasons,  I  was  greatly  blessed.  Whilst  I  was  a  travelling 
preacher  in  England,  I  was  much  tempted,  finding  myself 
exceedingly  ignorant  of  almost  everything  a  minister  of  the 
Gospel  ought  to  know.  How  I  came  to  America,  and  the 
events  which  have  happened  since,  my  journal  will  show. 

Yesterday  I  preached  in  New- York,  on,  "  Who  is  on  the 
Lord's  side  ?"  I  had  some  life  in  speaking,  but  there  was 
little  move  in  the  congregation.  0  Lord,  hasten  a  revival  of 
thy  work !  This  city  has  been  agitated  about  the  choice  of 
Governor :  it  would  be  better  for  them  all  to  be  on  the  Lord's 
side.  The  standard  is  set  up — who  declares  for  the  Lord  ? 
The  wicked ;  the  carnal  professors  ;  carnal  ministers,  and 
apostates,  are  the  Lord's  enemies. 

Sunday,  22.  Was  a  melting  time  with  many  hearts  in 
the  old  church  :  my  subject,  1  John  i,  6,  7.  In  the  aticr- 
noon,  although  very  unwell,  I  laboured  hard  in  the  new 
church,  but  the  people  were  exceedingly  insensible.  There 
was  a  little  shaking  under  brother  Hull  in  the  old  church  in 
the  evening. 

Monday,  23.  We  set  out  for  Lynn,  and  made  our  way 
through  Bedford,  riding  fifty  miles  the  first  day  :  I  prayed  in 
four  houses,  and  felt  much  given  up  on  the  way. 

Connecticut. —  Tuesday,  24.  Rain  to-day:  after  which, 
we  came  to  Reading ;  and  although  it  was  late,  and  the  even- 
ing damp,  I  was  unwilling  to  omit  the  opportunity  of  speaking 


July,  1792.] 


ASBURT'S  JOURNAL. 


161 


to  the  people.  Brother  Hull,  my  fellow-traveller,  went  to 
bed  very  ill.  God  has  wrought  in  this  town :  the  spirit  of 
prayer  is  amongst  the  people ;  and  several  souls  have  been 
brought  to  God. 

Wednesday,  25.  We  came  to  Newtown  and  fed — thence  to 
Waterbury :  brother  H.  is  still  very  ill.  Here  we  were  en- 
tertained kindly,  and  at  small  charges ;  the  people  submitted, 
and  were  attentive  to  prayer.  Thence  we  continued  on  to 
Southerington :  we  dined  at  a  public  house,  where  we  had 
cheap,  good,  plain  usage  :  our  host  told  us,  "  It  was  the  mis- 
fortune of  the  Methodists  to  fall  in  with  some  of  the  most  igno- 
rant, poor,  and  disreputable  people  in  the  State."  My  answer 
was  :  the  poor  have  the  Gospel  preached  to  them — that  it 
had  been  aforetime  asked,  "  Have  any  of  the  rulers  believed 
on  him  ?" 

Came  to  the  city  of  Hartford,  and  thence  went  on  to  East- 
Hartford.  I  was  alarming  on  Rev.  xxi,  8 :  brother  H.  is  still 
very  sick  ;  and  for  my  poor  self,T  am  tempted  to  fretfulness  ; 
but  by  grace  I  was  kept  in  peace,  and  blessed  in  speaking. 
The  next  day  we  came  through  the  extreme  heat  to  Stafford, 
and  attended  a  quarterly-meeting,  where  we  had  a  crowd  of 
people  in  a  new,  open  house :  I  was  very  unwell,  and  much 
tempted,  but  I  had  good  liberty  in  preaching;  my  subject 
was  Colos.  ii,  6:  on  Sunday  I  was  very  pointed  on  Rom. 
i,  18. 

There  has  been  a  work  in  Tolland  circuit :  I  suppose  one 
hundred  and  fifty  souls  have  been  converted,  and  twice  the 
number  under  awakenings  in  different  societies  around :  I  felt 
very  solemn  among  them.  Brothers  Smith  and  Raynor,  have 
been  owned  of  the  Lord  in  these  parts. 

Massachusetts. — We  came  through  Ashford,  Pomfret, 
Menden,  and  Douglass :  we  lodged  at  a  tavern,  where  the 
people  were  very  obliging,  and  attentive  to  prayer :  thence 
we  rode  to  Medfield's  to  dinner;  thence  through  Dover, 
Newton,  Cambridge,  Maiden,  to  Lynn ;  which  we  reached 
about  midnight,  having  travelled  sixty -five  miles — my  soul, 
meanwhile,  continually  filled  with  the  goodness  of  God. 


1G2 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Aug.,  1*792. 


Thursday,  August  2.  Our  conference  met,  consisting  of 
eight  preachers,  much  united,  beside  myself.  In  Lynn,  we 
have  the  outside  of  a  house  completed ;  and  what  is  best  of 
all,  several  souls  profess  to  be  converted  to  God.  I  preached 
on  1  John  iv,  1-6,  and  had  some  life,  but  was  too  formal. 
There  was  preaching  every  night  through  the  sitting  of  the 
conference. 

Saturday,  4.  I  preached  an  ordination  sermon  to  a  very 
solemn  congregation,  on  2  Cor.  iii,  5. 

Sabbath  morning,  5.  I  preached  on  1  Cor.  vi,  19,  20.  In 

the  afternoon  brother  A          preached ;   and  I  afterward 

gave  them  a  farewell  exhortation,  and  there  were  some  affec- 
tionate feelings  excited  amongst  the  people.  Many  were 
moved,  and  felt  a  great  desire  to  speak  in  the  love-feast,  but 
they  had  not  courage.  0  that  we  had  more  apostolical 
preaching ! 

Monday,  6.  We  took  leave  of  town,  making  a  hasty  flight. 
We  dined  at  Cambridge.  The  rain  drove  us  for  shelter  un- 
der the  hospitable  roof  of  Mr.  How ;  the  kind  family  here 
accepted  of  family  worship. 

Tuesday,  7.  We  came  through  Brookfield  and  Shrewsbury  to 
Worcester;  after  resting,  we  briskly  pursued  our  way  to  Brook- 
field.  We  found  that  we  had  stopped  at  the  wrong  house  : 
some  wicked  labouring  young  men  were  intoxicated,  singing 
psalms  and  song  tunes  for  their  amusement ;  one  man  railed  on, 
and  cursed  us  because  he  was  not  told  all  he  wanted  to  know. 

Wednesday,  8.   We  came  to  Belcher  Town,  and  were 

kindly  entertained  at  W  's  :  thence  we  pushed  on  to  Had- 

ley,  crossed  Connecticut  River,  and  stopped  at  Northampton. 
Ah  !  where  is  the  blessedness  of  which  we  formerly  heard  in 
this  place  ?  I  inquired  of  our  host,  but  received  little  satisfac- 
tory information.  I  proposed  prayer,  but  found  it  was  not 
well  received.  I  went  to  bed  weary  and  unwell ;  and  about 
half-past  six  o'clock  next  morning  set  out  again  over  the 
rocks  and  uneven  roads,  across  the  mountain,  having  passed 
through  Worthington,  Chesterfield,  and  Partridgefield.  I 
wondered  to  sec  the  people  settled  here  so  thickly,  among  the 


Aug.,  1<92.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


163 


rocks,  where  the  soil  can  only  be  cultivated  by  the  iron  hand 
of  active,  laborious  industry  :  I  should  prefer  any  part  of  the 
Alleghany  where  it  is  not  too  rocky,  because  the  land  is  bet- 
ter. We  made  it  nearly  forty  miles  to  Pittsfield ;  and  our 
journey  was  more  disagreeable  from  the  falling  of  a  heavy 
shower.  We  have  now  ridden  about  one  hundred  and  seventy 
miles  from  Lynn  in  four  days.  My  mind  has  been  variously 
exercised,  and  my  body  much  fatigued :  if  I  have  been  kept 
from  sin,  to  the  Lord's  name  be  all  the  glory !  Pittsfield  is  a 
pleasant  plain,  extending  from  mountain  to  mountain  ;  the 
population  may  consist  of  two  thousand  soids.  There  is  a 
grand  meeting-house  and  steeple,  both  as  white  and  glistening 
as  Solomons  temple.  The  minister,  as  I  learn,  is  on  the  New- 
Divinity  plan.  I  heard  the  experience  of  one  of  the  first  set- 
tlers in  the  town,  who  was  clearly  brought  out  of  bondage ; 
but  by  resting  in  unfailing  perseverance,  he  again  grew  cold : 
of  late  he  has  been  stirred  up  and  restored  by  the  instrumen- 
tality of  the  Methodists.  I  was  pleased  to  enjoy  the  privilege 
of  retiring  alone  to  the  cooling  sylvan  shades  in  frequent  con- 
verse with  my  best  Friend. 

Saturday,  11.  We  held  our  meeting  in  a  noble  house, 
built  for  Baptists,  Separatists,  or  somebody,  and  is  now  occu- 
pied by  the  Methodists.  There  was  a  large  and  attentive 
congregation,  and  some  melting  amongst  the  people,  with 
whom  the  Lord  is  at  work. 

Sunday,  12.  I  was  so  unwell,  that  I  concluded  not  to  go 
to  meeting,  but  was  at  last  persuaded  along.  I  felt  enlarge- 
ment in  preaching,  and  the  people  were  tender  and  attentive. 
It  has  been  said,  "The  Eastern  people  are  not  to  be  moved :" 
it  is  true,  they  are  too  much  accustomed  to  hear  systematical 
preaching  to  be  moved  by  a  systematical  sermon,  even  from  a 
Methodist ;  but  they  have  their  feelings,  and  touch  but  the 
right  string,  and  they  will  be  moved.  I  became  weary  of 
staying  three  days  in  one  house ;  Mr.  Stevens  was  very  kind, 
his  wife  was  under  heavy  heart-awakenings. 

New- York, — We  set  out  and  came  to  Lebanon  in  the  State 
of  New- York.    The  medical  waters  here  are  warm  and  very 


104 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Aug.,  1792. 


soft ;  pure  and  light,  with  no  small  quantity  of  fixed  air.  I 
found  a  poor  bath-house.  Here  the  devil's*ents  are  set  up, 
and,  as  is  common  at  these  his  encampments,  his  children  are 

doing  his  drudgery.    I  baptized  F  's  child :  he  and  his 

wife  came  out  from  amongst  the  Shakers,  where  they  had 
lived  in  celibacy  many  years.  At  the  request  of  the  people, 
notwithstanding  my  barrenness  at  brother  W- — —  's,  I  de- 
livered a  discourse  on  1  Peter  iii,  1 5  ;  my  audience  appeared 

to  be  strangers  to  our  way.    Mr.  K  a,  a  Presbyterian 

minister,  bore  his  testimony  in  favour  of  the  word  delivered, 
and  recommended  it  to  his  people.  We  then  came  to  Bethle- 
hem, and  the  next  day  I  preached  at  the  house  of  a  Baptist 
to  about  three  hundred  people :  it  was  a  searching,  moving- 
time.  I  also  baptized,  and  administered  the  Lord's  supper ; 
I  then  went  a  small  distance  to  lodge,  but  I  felt  not  myself 
at  home,  the  worship  of  God  not  being  in  the  house.  I  now 
began  to  bring  up  my  reading  in  the  New  Testament. 

Wednesday,  15.  Came  to  Albany,  and  had  a  joyful,  happy 
conference,  twenty-one  preachers  being  present.  We  consti- 
tuted two  deacons  and  four  elders.  Each  preacher  was  called 
upon  to  speak  of  his  exercises  and  observations  since  our  last 
annual  session :  we  examined  our  doctrines,  and  whether  our 
faith  was  still  firm  in  those  which  were  believed  and  taught 
amongst  us.  We  appointed  Jonathan  Newman  as  a  mis- 
sionary to  the  whites  and  Indians  on  the  frontiers.  We  also 
sent  another  to  Cataraqui.  Before  we  rose,  Ave  propounded 
a  few  questions  of  theology  namely, 

1 .  How  are  we  to  deal  with  sinners  ? 

2.  How  should  we  treat  with  mourners? 

3.  Which  way  should  we  address  hypocrites  ? 

4.  How  can  we  deal  with  backsliders? 

5.  What  is  the  best  for  believers  ? 

We  had  preaching  in  the  market-houses  in  Albany ;  and 
notwithstanding  our  hurry  and  crowd  we  were  happy,  and 
had  living  testimonies  from  preachers  and  people.  I  trust 
two  hundred  have  been  converted  in  the  district  since  last 
conference. 


Aug.,  1792.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


165 


Monday,  20.  I  came  to  Coeyman's  Patent,  and  had  a  de- 
gree of  light  in  preaching  in  the  new  church  on  Ephes.  i, 
18,  19.  After  preaching  we  hasted  to  Hudson,  thirty-two 
miles.  On  our  way  we  called  on  a  friend  whose  wretched 
wife  had  made  an  attempt  to  poison  him  and  two  others  by 
strewing  bane  on  the  meat  they  ate :  the  dose  wrought  so 
powerfully  that  they  threw  it  up ;  and  so  she,  Satan,  and  hell, 

were  all  disappointed.    I  lodged  with  brother  W  :  he 

and  his  wife  were  kind,  dear  souls  to  me,  when  sick  here  last 
year — now  I  am  well :  praise  the  Lord,  0  my  soul ! 

I  had  to  ride  thirty-five  miles  to  Rhinebeck ;  the  weather 
was  extremely  warm  and  dry.  We  hasted  along,  and  arriv- 
ing a  little  before  five  o'clock,  found  the  people  waiting.  I 
preached  in  a  school-house,  which,  by  enlargement,  makes  a 
good  church,  so  called. 

I  had  reason  to  fear,  from  former  and  later  information, 

that  brother  was  not  as  useful  nor  as  acceptable  here  as 

I  could  wish :  from  a  sense  of  duty  I  mentioned  this  to  him 
with  great  tenderness.    At  first,  it  proved  some  trial  to  him  ; 

but  when  brother   and  brother  confirmed  what  I 

had  said,  and  I  assured  him  that  a  desire  to  promote  the  cause 
of  God  was  the  only  motive  that  led  me  to  mention  this  to 
him,  he  resumed  his  former  cheerfulness,  and  we  parted  in 
peace. 

It  was  appointed  for  me  to  preach  at  a  place  forty-five 
miles  distant ;  but  the  weather  being  extremely  warm,  and  our 
horses  weary,  we  did  not  get  in  until  eight  o'clock,  in  conse- 
quence of  which  many  people  were  disappointed. 

Thursday,  23.  I  breakfasted  at  Governor  Van  Cortlandt's. 
I  feel  as  if  the  Lord  had  been  striving  here. 

Saturday,  25.  Came  to  the  quarterly  meeting  at  New-Ro- 
chclle.  The  Lord  gave  light  and  liberty  in  speaking.  We 
had  a  meeting  with  the  local  preachers,  stewards,  and  leaders 
who  were  present.  Mr.  Hammett's  rejoinder  has  made  its 
appearance.  N.  Manners  has  also  come  to  town,  to  spread 
his  doctrine  and  distribute  his  books :  were  he  a  gracious  man, 
I  cannot  think  he  would  write  as  he  does  against  Mr.  Wesley 


166 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.        [Sept.,  1792. 


and  Mr.  Fletcher.  Perhaps  he  will  find  it  rather  easier  to 
write  and  print  books,  than  to  sell  and  pay  the  cost  of  pub- 
lishing them. 

Sunday,  26.  I  preached  to  a  vast  congregation,  with  liberty, 
on  1  Cor.  iii,  15,  16.  Many  hearts  were  touched,  and  we 
had  a  blessed  season  at  love-feast  and  sacrament. 

Monday,  27.  Came  to  New- York,  and  opened  conference, 
twenty-eight  preachers  being  present.  We  spent  most  of  the 
afternoon  in  prayer  ;  and  nearly  all  the  preachers  gave  an  ac- 
count of  what  each  one  had  seen  and  felt  since  last  conference. 
The  young  gave  us  their  experience,  and  there  were  several 

who  professed  sanctification.    Awfid  H          haunted  us  one 

day,  requesting  us  to  give  him  an  honourable  discharge  from 
the  connexion ;  but  we  shall  publish  him  expelled — he  is  the 
Wheatley  of  America. 

Friday,  31.  We  had  a  solemn  love-feast,  the  lower  floor 
of  the  house  being  nearly  filled  :  several  of  the  brethren  pro- 
fessed perfect  love ;  others  had  lost  the  witness. 

My  mind  has  been  so  bent  to  the  business  of  the  conference, 
that  I  have  slept  but  little  this  week.  Connecticut  is  supplied 
much  to  my  mind,  several  very  promising  young  men  having 
been  admitted  this  conference;.  The  societies  are  in  harmony, 
but  not  as  lively  as  they  ought  to  be.    I  went  to  hear  Dr. 

L  ,  but  was  greatly  disappointed  :  he  had  such  a  rumbling 

voice  that  I  could  understand  but  little  in  that  great  house. 
How  elegant  the  building  !  How  small  the  appearances  of  re- 
ligion !  Lord,  have  mercy  upon  the  Reformed  Churches !  O 
ye  dry  bones,  hear  the  word  of  the  Lord  !  I  was  much  obliged 
to  my  friend  for  renewing  my  clothing  and  giving  me  a  little 
pocket  money ;  this  is  better  than  £500  per  annum.  I  told 
some  of  our  preachers,  who  were  very  poor,  how  happy  they 
were;  and  that  probably,  had  they  more,  their  wants  would 
proportionably  increase.  My  soul  is  humble,  and  by  grace  is 
kept  holy :  I  do  the  best  I  can,  and  leave  the  event  to  the 
Lord ;  if  others  do  wrong,  they  must  answer  for  themselves 
now,  and  at  the  day  of  judgment. 

Sunday,  September  2.  I  preached  a  preparatory  sermon, 


Sept.,  1792.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


167 


on  1  Cor.  v,  7,  8,  previously  to  the  administration  of  the  sacra- 
ment. It  was  observed  what  a  fitness  of  similarity  there  was 
between  the  passover  and  the  supper  of  the  Lord.  The  sim- 
plicity and  purity  of  the  latter — bread,  instead  of  the  flesh  of 
an  animal,  and  wine,  instead  of  the  blood  of  the  creature  ; 
wine,  the  blood  of  Christ,  and  grace  the  life  of  our  souls.  It 
was  shown  who  were  proper  communicants — true  penitents 
and  real  believers.  Not  with  the  leaven  of  malice  and  wicked- 
ness— acid,  bitter,  and  puffing  up,  but  the  unleavened  bread 
of  sincerity  and  truth — uprightness  of  heart,  and  sound  expe- 
rience. 

I  now  leave  New- York  for  one  whole  year,  under  the  hope 
and  prophecy  that  this  will  be  a  year  of  the  Lord's  power 
with  them. 

New-Jersey. — We  had  severe  crossing  the  North-River ; 
it  was  as  much  as  ever  the  horses  could  do  to  keep  their  feet. 
We  came  to  Newark,  and  thence  to  Elizabethtown,  in  Jersey. 
I  now  began  to  unbend  my  mind,  and  became  very  heavy. 
I  went  up  stairs,  sat  in  my  chair,  rested  my  head,  and  slept 
solidly  ;  but  a  kind  friend  would  have  me  waked,  which  made 
me  sick. 

Tuesday,  4.  I  pursued  my  journey  through  Woodbridge, 
and  came  to  Brunswick.  The  weather  was  very  warm ;  the 
roads  dusty,  and  our  journeys  long.  We  reached  Milfoi  d  town 
in  the  evening. 

Wednesday,  5.  Passed  through  Crosswicks  and  Burlington, 
and  came  to  Philadelphia :  I  found  I  was  too  late,  the  preachers 
having  waited  a  day  for  me  to  come  and  open  the  conference. 

Thursday,  6.  We  had  great  peace  in  our  conference.  The 
preachers  gave  a  feeling  account  of  the  work  of  God.  We 
had  more  preachers  than  we  needed  this  time ;  both  they 
and  the  people  were  lively :  most  of  our  brethren  in  the 
ministry  can  now  stand  the  greatest  exertions. 

Sabbath  morning  9.  We  had  a  melting  love-feast ;  the 
mouths  of  many  were  opened  to  declare  the  loving-kindness 
of  the  Lord.  1  preached,  but  did  not  like  their  ill-contrived 
house.    At  Ebenezer  I  had  an  attentive  congregation,  to  whom 


168 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Sept.,  1792. 


I  spoke  on  Philip,  i,  18.  At  night  the  mobility  came  in  like 
the  roaring  of  the  sea :  boys  were  around  the  doors,  and  the 
streets  were  in  an  uproar.  They  had  been  alarmed  by  a  shout 
the  night  before,  which,  probably,  Avas  one  cause  of  the  con- 
gregation being  so  large.    Brother  A          went  to  prayer ; 

a  person  cried  out :  brother  C          joined  in  prayer ;  the 

wicked  were  collected  to  oppose.  I  felt  the  powers  of  dark- 
ness were  very  strong.    After  ending  my  discourse,  brother 

M  rose  up  and  mentioned  the  shocking  conduct  he  had 

observed  among  them ;  fighting,  swearing,  threatening,  <fec. 
But  where  are  the  watchmen  ?  asleep.  Where  are  the  magis- 
trates ?  dozing  at  home.  This  is  a  wicked,  horribly  wicked 
city ;  and  if  the  people  do  not  reform,  I  think  they  will  be 
let  loose  upon  one  another,  or  else  God  will  send  the  pestilence 
amongst  them,  and  slay  them  by  hundreds  and  thousands : 
the  spirit  of  prayer  has  departed,  and  the  spiritual  watchmen 
have  ceased  to  cry  aloud  among  all  sects  and  denominations : 
for  their  unfaithfulness  they  will  be  smitten  in  anger:  for 
sleepy  silence  in  the  house  of  God,  which  ought  to  resound 
with  the  voice  of  praise  and  frequent  prayer,  the  Lord  will 
visit  their  streets  with  the  silence  of  desolation. 

Delaware. — Monday,  10.  I  left  Philadelphia,  dined  at 
Chester,  and  preached  at  Wilmington  in  the  evening.  The 
next  day  I  rode  to  Duck  Creek  Cross  Roads,  State  of  Delaware, 
to  hold  conference.  We  were  full  of  business,  and  had  life 
and  liberty.  I  met  the  leaders  and  local  brethren  in  the  minis- 
try, and  we  had  a  powerful  time.  I  requested  them  to  give 
an  account  of  their  past  and  present  experience ;  the  state  of 
their  respective  families  ;  and  the  classes  they  had  the  charge 
of,  together  with  the  prospects  of  religion  where  they  lived : 
they  understood  me,  and  spoke  much  to  the  purpose.  We 
parted  with  a  good  love-feast,  from  which  the  gay  and  the 
worldly,  at  least,  were  excluded,  if  we  did  not  keep  out  sin- 
ners, Pharisees,  and  hypocrites. 

Saturday,  15.  Rode  to  Camden.  To  Dr.  Barrett,  a  true 
son  of  a  worthy  father,  we  are  chiefly  indebted  for  a  neat, 
economical  meeting-house.    I  had  so  many  friends  I  knew  not 


Sept.,  1792.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


169 


where  to  go.  My  attendance  on  conferences  and  quarterly- 
meetings  has  lately  been  so  constant,  I  found  it  expedient  to 
make  a  sudden  change  and  come  home.  In  my  way  I  stopped 
at  a  friend's  house :  the  woman  had  been  early  a  member ; 
the  man,  not  of  us ;  I  pressed  family  prayer  upon  her  from 
Divine  authority ;  I  saw  her  tears  and  heard  her  promises. 
Came  home  to  T.  White's.  I  resolved  on  the  establishment 
of  a  prayer-meeting  for  the  women  before  I  go  hence.  I  have 
felt  my  soul  greatly  quickened  of  late  to  bear  and  suffer  all 
things,  and  to  feel  nothing  but  love  :  if  we  are  tried  by  Chris- 
tian people,  it  is  chiefly  for  want  of  grace  or  knowledge  in 
them,  or  us,  or  both  ;  they  are  objects  of  pit}-,  not  of  anger. 

This  day  is  spent  in  reading,  writing,  meditation,  and  prayer. 
To  be  retired  and  solitary  is  desirable  after  the  presence  of 
crowds,  and  the  labours,  various  and  unceasing,  to  which  I 
am  called :  when  our  Lord  was  pursued  by  the  people,  he, 
as  a  man,  would  hide  himself.  I  thought,  if  my  brethren 
would  not  spare  me,  I  must  spare  myself. 

I  have  been  reading  Doctor  Langdon  on  the  Revelation, 
and  find  little  new  or  very  spiritual ;  he  is  like  the  Newtons 
and  all  the  historical  interpreters — one  thing  is  wanting.  And 
might  not  an  interpreter  show  the  present  time  foretold  by 
these  signs,  which  plainly  point  to  the  why  and  wherefore  it  is, 
that  some  are  Christian  bishops  and  Christian  dissertators  on 
prophecy  ?  A  bishopric  with  one,  or  two,  or  three  thousand 
sterling  a  year  as  an  appendage,  might  determine  the  most 
hesitating  in  their  choice  :  I  see  no  reason  why  a  heathen  phi- 
losopher, who  had  enough  of  this  world's  wisdom  to  see  the 
advantages  of  wealth  and  honours,  should  not  say,  "  Give  me 
a  bishopric  and  I  will  be  a  Christian."  In  the  Eastern 
states  also  there  are  very  good  and  sufficient  reasons  for  the 
faith  of  the  favoured  ministry.  Ease,  honour,  interest :  what 
follows?  idolatry,  superstition,  death. 

Tuesday,  18.  Continued  at  Judge  W  's,  and  spoke  a 

few  words  to  a  few  people. 

Wednesday,  19.  We  came  to  Millford,  and  had  a  solemn 
time  on  Genesis  vi,  3.    Here  1  held  a  conference  with  the 

Vol.  II.— 8. 


170 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1792. 


local  preachers,  and  was  pleased  at  the  accounts  they  gave  of 
their  prospects  of  religion  in  their  neighbourhoods. 

Thursday,  20.  We  had  a  moving  feast  of  charity,  and  a, 
close,  searching  time  in  public ;  my  subject,  2  Tim.  hi,  20,  21. 

Friday,  21.  I  came  to  Broad  Creek  with  a  heavy  heart. 
We  had  a  blessed  time  in  the  love-feast ;  many  souls  had 
longings  for  sanctification,  and  some  boldly  professed  it.  I 
felt  as  if  it  would  be  long  before  I  should  again  visit  this 
house.  A  poor  man  attempted  to  come  near  me ;  being  en- 
couraged by  my  speaking  to  him,  he  approached,  and  told 
me,  with  a  full  heart,  that  about  that  time,  five  years  past,  the 
Lord  spoke  through  me  to  his  conviction,  at  Moore's  chapel. 

Tuesday,  25.  Attended  quarterly  meeting  at  Myle's  chapel, 
where  I  met  with  a  few  serious  people :  the  second  day  we 
had  a  few  Church  folks — something  wild. 

Virginia. —  Thursday,  27.  Crossed  Pocomoke  to  L  's : 

at  Dowings's  at  night.  Brother  Everett  was  sick.  I  had  a 
large  congregation  at  Garrettson  chapel ;  and  was  much 
blessed  on  Rom.  viii,  29,  30.  I  had  a  comfortable  conference 
with  the  leaders,  stewards,  local  preachers,  and  exhorters  ;  and 
we  had  a  living  love-feast. 

Sunday,  30.  We  had  a  crowded  congregation,  and  some 
melting  amongst  the  people  while  I  enlarged  on,  "  Almost 
thou  persuadest  me  to  be  a  Christian."  1.  I  endeavoured  to 
point  out  the  genuine  marks  of  a  Christian :  2.  Remove  the 
objection  against  these  marks ;  and  3.  Persuade  by  applying 
to  the  hopes  and  fears  of  my  hearers. 

Monday,  October  1. — I  had  a  kind  of  chill  and  headache, 
and  was  very  unwell ;  yet  I  rode  about  forty  miles  to  Little- 
ton Long's.    I  went  quick  to  bed. 

Maryland. — I  attended  the  quarterly  meeting  in  Dorset 
on  the  last  day.  We  had  few  people.  Thence  to  Henry 
Ennall's,  where  young  sister  Kane  was  struck  with  conviction 
at  family  prayer.  She  followed  us  to  quarterly  meeting,  at 
Easton,  under  deep  distress ;  and  returning,  found  peace 
where  she  found  conviction  three  days  before.  We  had 
great  plainness,  and  were  much  stirred  up  in  the  conference 


Oct.,  1792.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


1T1 


with  our  local  brethren.  The  congregation  was  large  the 
second  day,  and  the  people'  were  more  quiet  than  common — 
perhaps  because  we  were  so. 

Thence  we  rode  to  Choptank,  now  Greensborough,  and 
preached  on  Ephes.  ii,  17  ;  and  some  power  went  through 
the  house.  I  had  a  good  conference  with  the  local  brethren  ; 
making  close  inquiries  relative  to  themselves,  their  families, 
and  the  societies  to  which  they  respectively  belong. 

I  stopped  a  day  at  Judge  White's,  and  read  in  haste  the 
most  essential  parts  of  "  Jefferson's  Notes."  I  have  thought, 
it  may  be  I  am  safer  to  be  occasionally  among  the  people  of 
the  world,  than  wholly  confined  to  the  indulgent  people  of 
God.  He  who  sometimes  suffers  from  a  famine,  will  the 
better  know  how  to  relish  a  feast. 

Saturday,  13.  We  had  many  gracious  soids  at  Boardley's 
barn.  I  was  greatly  weakened  by  preaching ;  but  I  hope 
souls  were  spiritually  strengthened.  We  had  a  gracious 
season  in  conference  with  the  local  brethren,  men  who  felt  for 
the  cause  of  God.  Two  professed  to  find  the  Lord  ;  and  it 
was  said  two  were  awakened  the  first  evening  of  the  quarterly 
meeting. 

Sunday,  14.  We  had  a  great  love-feast,  the  women  led 
the  way.  I  preached  on,  "  Thou  knowest  not  the  time  of 
thy  visitation."  A  larger  or  more  attentive  congregation  has 
not,  perhaps,  been  seen  in  these  parts.  I  feel  more  than 
ever  the  necessity  of  preaching  sanctification. 

Monday,  15.  Rode  to  Chestertown.  Here  I  was  warmly 
importuned  to  preach ;  and  submitting  to  the  desire  of  my 
friends,  I  enlarged  on  1  John  ii,  18,  and  was  very  pointed  and 
alarming,  at  which  some  were  offended. 

Saturday,  20.  Rode  to  Back  Creek.  Being  detained  at 
the  ferry,  I  did  not  get  in  until  after  night,  which  made  me 
unwell. 

Monday,  22.  Rode  to  Cokesbury.    All  is  not  well  here. 

Saturday,  27.  I  came  to  Baltimore.    Here  I  only  stopped 

to  feed  myself  and  horses,  and  then  proceeded  on  to  T.  C  's, 

and  had  a  little  rest  and  peace. 


172 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.          [Nov.,  1792. 


Sunday,  28.  Contrary  to  my  wish,  I  was  constrained  to 
ride  to  Annapolis,  Avhich  I  reached  about  eleven  o'clock,  and 
gave  them  a  sermon  on  1  Peter  hi,  18,  Avith  some  help  and 
liberty. 

Monday,  29.  We  opened  our  district  conference  in  great 
peace  and  love ;  and  so  it  ended. 

Tuesday,  30.  Came  to  Baltimore  in  a  storm  of  rain. 
Whilst  we  were  sitting  in  the  room  at  Mr.  Rogers's,  in  came 
Dr.  Coke,  of  whose  arrival  we  had  not  heard,  and  whom  we 
embraced  with  great  love. 

I  felt  awful  at  the  General  Conference,  which  began  No- 
vember 1,  1792.  At  my  desire  they  appointed  a  moderator, 
and  preparatory  committee,  to  keep  order  and  bring  forward 
the  business  with  regularity.  We  had  heavy  debates  on  the 
first,  second,  and  third  sections  of  our  form  of  discipline.  My 
power  to  station  the  preachers  without  an  appeal,  was  much 
debated,  but  finally  carried  by  a  very  large  majority.  Per- 
haps a  new  bishop,  new  conference,  and  new  laws,  Avould 
have  better  pleased  some.  I  have  been  much  grieved  for 
others,  and  distressed  with  the  burden  I  bear,  and  must 
hereafter  bear.  0,  my  soul,  enter  into  rest !  Ah,  who  am 
I,  that  the  burden  of  the  work  should  lie  on  my  heart, 
hands,  and  head  ? 

Thursday,  8.  Having  taken  cold,  and  had  my  rest  broken, 
I  went  to  bed  to  bring  on  a  free  perspiration^  and  from  this 
I  received  relief,  my  soul  breathed  unto  God ;  and  I  was  ex- 
ceedingly happy  in  his  love.  Some  individuals  among  the 
preachers  having  their  jealousies  about  my  influence  in  the 
conference,  I  gave  the  matter  wholly  up  to  them,  and  to  Dr. 
Coke,  who  presided.  Meantime  I  sent  them  the  following 
letter  :— 

My  Dear  Brethren  : — Let  my  absence  give  you  no 
pain — Dr.  Coke  presides.  I  am  happily  excused  from  assist- 
ing to  make  laws  by  which  myself  am  to  be  governed :  I 
have  only  to  obey  and  execute.  I  am  happy  in  the  conside- 
ration that  I  never  stationed  a  preacher  through  enmity,  or 


Nov.,  1792.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


US 


as  a  punishment.  I  have  acted  for  the  glory  of  God,  the 
good  of  the  people,  and  to  promote  the  usefulness  of  the 
preachers.  Are  you  sure,  that,  if  you  please  yourselves, 
the  people  will  be  as  fully  satisfied  ?  They  often  say,  "  let 
us  have  such  a  preacher;"  and  sometimes,  "  we  will  not  have 
such  a  preacher — we  will  sooner  pay  him  to  stay  at  home." 
Perhaps  I  must  say,  "his  appeal  forced  him  upon  you."  I 
am  one — ye  are  many.  I  am  as  willing  to  serve  you  as  ever. 
I  want  not  to  sit  in  any  man's  way.  I  scorn  to  solicit  votes. 
I  am  a  very  trembling,  poor  creature  to  hear  praise  or  dis- 
praise. Speak  your  minds  freely ;  but  remember,  you  are 
only  making  laws  for  the  present  time.  It  may  be,  that  as 
in  some  other  things,  so  in  this,  a  future  day  may  give  you 
further  light.    I  am  yours,  <fec.  Francis  Asbury. 

I  am  not  fond  of  altercations — we  cannot  please  every- 
body— and  sometimes  not  ourselves.    I  am  resigned. 

Mr.  O'Kelly,  being  disappointed  in  not  getting  an  appeal 
from  any  station  made  by  me,  withdrew  from  the  connexion, 
and  went  off.  For  himself,  the  conference  well  knew  he 
could  not  complain  of  the  regulation.  He  had  been  located 
to  the  south  district  of  Virginia  for  about  ten  succeeding 
years  ;  and  upon  his  plan,  might  have  located  himself,  and 
any  preacher,  or  set  of  preachers,  to  the  district,  whether  the 
people  wished  to  have  them  or  not. 

The  general  conference  went  through  the  Discipline,  Ar- 
ticles of  Faith,  Forms  of  Baptism,  Matrimony,  and  the  Burial 
of  the  Dead  ;  as  also  the  Offices  of  Ordination.  The  confe- 
rence ended  in  peace,  after  voting  another  general  conference 
to  be  held  four  years  hence.  By  desire  of  my  brethren,  I 
preached  once  on  1  Peter  iii,  8.  My  mind  was  kept  in  peace, 
and  my  soul  enjoyed  rest  in  the  Stronghold. 

Thursday,  15.  I  was  comforted  at  the  women's  class- 
meeting.    I  appointed  three  prayer-meetings  for  them,  sisters 

K  ,  0  ,  and  F  ,  to  be  the  leaders  of  them.  If 

this  is  regularly  attended  to,  I  think  good  will  follow. 

Friday,  16.  I  left  Baltimore,  and,  contrary  to  my  first  in- 


174 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Nov.,  1792. 


tention,  called  on  the  widow  H  ,  whose  daughter  was 

awakened  the  last  time  I  was  here,  and  still  continues  to  be 
happy  in  the  Lord.  I  met  the  sisters  here,  and  urged 
prayer-meeting.  Perhaps  it  was  for  this  I  unexpectedly 
came  here. 

Virginia. — Saturday,  17.  Brother  Ira  Ellis  and  myself 
came  on  to  Georgetown,  and  thence  to  Alexandria,  making  a 
ride  of  forty  miles.  Here  the  preachers  were  waiting  for  the 
district  conference. 

Sunday,  18.  I  preached  in  our  small,  neatly-finished  house. 

Monday,  19.  We  had  a  close  sitting  in  conference,  and 
completed  our  work  in  one  day. 

Tuesday,  20.  We  set  out  southwardly.  The  day  was  very 
stormy,  and  we  had  a  gale  in  crossing  the  river  at  Colches- 
ter, and  came  to  our  newly-made  friend  Ward's,  near 
Dumfries. 

Wednesday,  21.  Six  of  us  set  out,  and  rode  fifty-three 
miles  to  D.  Dickinson's,  in  Caroline  county — so  much  for  an 
American  episeopos.  Travelling  in  such  haste,  I  could  not  be 
as  much  in  mental  prayer  as  I  desired ;  although  I  enjoyed 
many  moments  of  sweet  converse  with  God. 

The  mischief  has  begun.    Brother    called  here  and 

vented  his  sorrows,  and  told  what  the  General  Conference 
had  done.  I  was  closely  employed  in  reading  "  The  Curse 
of  Divisions,"  and  my  Hebrew  Bible. 

Sunday,  25.  Came  to  Manchester,  and  preached  in  the 
afternoon,  and  felt  life  amongst  the  people  and  the  preachers 
who  were  met  for  the  district  conference.  I  met  the 
preachers  in  band,  and  found  their  fears  were  greatly  re- 
moved :  union  and  love  prevailed,  and  all  things  went  on 
well.  W.  M'Kcndree  and  R.  H   sent  me  their  resigna- 
tion in  writing.  We  agreed  to  let  our  displeased  brethren 
still  preach  among  us  ;  and  as  Mr.  O'Kelly  is  almost  worn 
out,  the  conference  acceded  to  my  proposal  of  giving  hind 
his  forty  pounds  per  annum,*  as  when  he  travelled  in  the 
°  For  a  part  of  that  year  he  received  it ;  but  refused,  and  left  us  to 
form  a  new  and  pure  Church. 


Dec,  1792.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


175 


connexion,  provided  he  was  peaceable,  and  forbore  to  excite 
divisions  among  the  brethren.  The  General  Conference  and 
the  district  conferences  have  kept  us  a  long  time  from  our 
-work  ;  but  after  all  Satan's  spite,  I  think  our  sifting  and 
shaking  will  be  for  good.  I  expect  a  glorious  revival 
will  take  place  in  America,  and  thousands  be  brought  to 
God. 

Thursday,  29.  Came  to  Petersburg.  Myself,  and  several 
others  preached  during  our  stay. 

Saturday,  December  L  I  had  a  few  attentive  hearers  at 
brother  Bonner's,  of  whom  I  inquired,  "  Where  is  the  bless- 
edness ye  spake  of." 

Sunday,  2.   Rode  fifteen  miles  to  G  's  chapel,  where 

we  bad  a  full  house,  and  I  felt  life  and  love  in  speaking  to 

the  young  people.    I  lodged  with  brother  G  ,  and  was 

very  much  moved  to  lay  a  plan  for  a  district  school. 

Monday,  3.  Preached  at  R  's  chapel :  cold  house  and 

languid  people.  Came  to  brother  Cox's  in  the  evening.  I 
am  not  conscious  of  inward  or  outward  sin,  yet  I  do  not  feel 
that  inward  life  I  wish.  I  have  lately  read  our  "  Cure  of 
Church  Divisions,"  and  much  of  the  word  of  God. 

Tuesday,  4.  Preached  at  Mabry's  chapel ;  and  the  next 
day  at  J.  Mason's,  where  we  had  a  full  house  and  a  comfort- 
able time. 

Thursday,  6.  Rode  through  the  rain  to  Edward  Drum- 
gold's  :  here  I  found  a  few  friends,  and  formed  a  constitution 
for  a  district  school,  which,  with  a  little  alteration,  will  form 
a  general  rule  for  any  part  of  the  continent. 

Saturday,  8.  I  once  more  visited  Owen  Myrick,  whose 
wife  is  gone,  and  from  all  we  can  learn  departed  in  a  good 
old  aije,  in  triumph  to  glory  :  the  dear  old  man  is  much  dis- 
pirited. We  spent  the  evening  together  very  solemnly,  re- 
membering the  occurrences  of  nineteen  years  ago,  now  gone 
as  yesterday — 

"  Short  as  the  watch  that  ends  the  night 
Before  the  rising  sun." 
The  cause  of  his  slaves  was  not  forgotten. 


1 76 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Dec,  1792. 


Sunday,  9.  I  came  once  more  to  Roanoak  chapel,  and 
gave  them  a  discourse  on  Eph.  ii,  13.  R.  and  I.  Ellis  gave 
an  exhortation  :  I  met  the  society.  We  then  rode  six  miles, 
and  got  to  our  quarters  about  sunset. 

Monday,  10.  We  crossed  Roanoak  at  Black's  ferry,  and 
directed  our  course  for  Lewisburg.  We  passed  Warrington, 
and  missed  our  way.  We  remembered  the  name  of  William 
Myrick,  and  inquiring  after  him,  found  he  lived  nearly  on  our 
way  ;  we  accordingly  called  on  him,  and  Avere  gladly  received, 
and  kindly  entertained.  Memory  is  good  in  distress  :  had  we 
not  housed  here,  we  should  have  had  our  difficulties  in  getting 
to  sister  L  's. 

Tuesday,  11.  Rode  to  H  's,  near  Lewisburg.    Here  I 

met  the  preachers  in  conference,  and  we  were  closely  employed 
until  Saturday  morning.  We  had  about  forty  preachers 
from  the  two  districts  in  North  Carolina.  Our  labours 
finished,  we  rode  to  Neusc  River. 

Sunday,  1G.  Preached  at  Merritt's. 

Monday,  17.  Rode  fifteen  miles  to  S  's  ;  preached  on 

Christ,  the  believer's  ivisdom,  righteousness,  sanctijieation,  and 
redemption.  We  had  a  difficult  road  in  going  to  Haw  River, 
but  a  kind  Providence  brought  us  along  very  well,  although 
the  weather  was  exceedingly  cold :  we  crossed  the  stream  by 
fording,  about  half-past  eight  o'clock,  and  about  ten  arrived 

at  R  's,  very  cold  and  in  much  pain.    I  know  not  why, 

but  so  it  is,  that  I  cannot  feel  that  I  hold  such  sweet  com- 
munion with  God  in  cold  weather  as  in  warm;  it  may  be 
that — 

"  Nature  being  oppress'd, 
Commands  the  mind  to  suffer  with  the  body." 

The  great  love  and  union  which  prevailed  at  the  late  con- 
ference makes  me  hope  many  souls  will  be  converted  in  the 
ensuing  year :  an  account  was  brought  in  of  the  conversion 
of  about  three  hundred  souls  last  week  within  its  limits — 
chiefly  in  the  Lowland  circuits.  Glory  be  to  God !  I  feel 
that  he  is  with  us  ;  and  I  have  good  evidence  that  fifteen  or 
eighteen  hundred  souls  have  professed  to  have  been  converted 


Dec,  1192.] 


ASBURYS  JOURNAL. 


Ill 


in  the  United  States  within  the  last  twelve  months.  At 
Rainev's,  a  congregation  of  willing,  patient  souls  was  called 
hastily  together,  to  whom  I  preached  on  2  Peter  i,  4.  I  was 
led  out  on  the  corruption  that  is  in  the  world,  arising  from 
three  grand  sources, — the  lust  of  the  flesh ;  the  lust  of  the 
eye  ;  and  the  pride  of  life. 

Wednesday,  1  9.  I  was  detained  until  about  ten  o'clock,  and 

then  rode  on  to  S  's,  and  dined  :  we  then  hastened  on  to 

Deep  River,  and  lodged  at  Mr.  B  's.  Lord,  show  kind- 
ness to  those  who  have  succoured  me ! 

Thursday,  20.  I  took  a  route  along  a  new  path  below  the 
Narrows  of  Pee  Dee  ;  and  after  riding  forty-five  or  fifty  miles, 
came  in,  cold  and  hungry,  about  seven  o'clock,  and  found  a 
congregation  waiting  :  I  was  fatigued,  and  could  say  but  little 
to  them. 

Friday,  21.  I  rode  thirty  miles  to  Rocky  River;  had  few 
to  hear. 

Saturday,  22.  The  people  were  attentive  and  behaved  well 
at  Anson  court-house.  In  the  evening  Ave  had  a  weary  ride 
to  brotber  Jackson's. 

Sunday,  23.  We  attended  from  ten  till  one  o'clock  in  a 
house  built  of  poles — here  were  light  and  ventilators  plenty. 
We  rode  this  evening  twenty  miles  to  Mr.  Blakeney's :  the 
rain  caught  us  in  the  woods,  and  we  were  well  steeped.  Ar- 
riving, we  found  a  good  house,  table,  and  bed,  which  was 
some  relief  to  weather-beaten  pilgrims. 

Christmas  Eve.  We  rode  in  the  rain  twenty-five  miles  to 
our  kind  brother  Horton's,  and  found  many  people  had 
gathered. 

South  Carolina. —  Christmas  day.  Although  the  weather 
was  cold  and  damp,  and  unhealthy,  with  signs  of  snow,  we 
rode  forty-five  miles  to  dear  brother  Rembert's — kind  and 
good,  rich  and  liberal,  who  has  done  more  for  the  poor 
Methodists  than  any  man  in  South  Carolina.  The  Lord 
grant  that  he,  with  his  whole  household,  may  find  mercy  in 
that  day. 

Wednesday,  26.  Preached  at  quarterlv-meeting  on  1  Peter 
8* 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Jan.,  1793. 


iv,  13.  I  was  pleased  to  hear  the  young  men  exhort  and 
sing  after  sacrament.  I  felt  uncommonly  melted — tears  in- 
voluntarily burst  from  my  eyes.    God  was  there. 

Thursday,  27.  I  had  a  long,  cold  ride  of  forty-five  miles 
to  brother  Bowman's,  near  Santee.  I  was  overtaken  on  my 
way  by  rain  mingled  with  hail,  which  ended  in  snow,  covering 
the  ground  six  or  eight  inches  deep.  The  unfinished  state  of 
the  houses,  lying  on  the  floor,  thin  clothing,  and  inclement 
weather,  keep  me  in  a  state  of  indisposition. 

Friday,  28.  We  had  to  cross  Santee,  and  ride  thirty-five 
miles  to  dear  sister  Browings's.    The  weather  still  very  cold. 

Saturday,  29.  Rode  thirty-three  miles  to  Charleston, 
and  found  our  little  flock  in  peace,  and  a  small  revival 
amongst  them. 

Mr.  Hammett  has  raised  a  grand  house,  and  has  written 
an  appeal  to  the  British  conference.  He  represents  Dr.  Coke 
as  a  sacrilegious  tyrant  and  murderer.  I  have  no  doubt  but 
the  Doctor  will  be  able  to  make  good  his  cause.  As  to  Ham- 
mett, time  will  show  the  man  and  the  people  who  have  made 
lies  their  refuge. 

Sunday,  30.   Brother  I.  S          preached  in  the  forenoon. 

In  the  afternoon  I  said  a  little  on  Isaiah  ix,  G,  7.  The  blacks 
were  hardly  restrained  from  crying  out  aloud.  O  that  God 
would  bless  the  wild  and  wicked  inhabitants  of  this  city !  I 
am  happy  to  find  that  our  principal  friends  have  increased  in 
religion.  Accounts  from  Philadelphia  are  pleasing — souls 
are  converted  to  God.  There  is  also  a  move  in  New-York, 
and  their  numbers  are  daily  increasing.  On  reviewing  the 
labours  of  the  last  six  weeks,  I  find  we  have  rested  about 
fourteen  days  at  conferences,  and  ridden  at  least  seven  hun- 
dred miles. 

January  3,  1793.  From  Wednesday,  December  26,  to  this 
day,  Sunday  excepted,  we  sat  in  conference  in  this  city. 

Friday,  4.  I  was  unwell,  yet  I  set  out  and  reached  Mr. 

G  's,  on  Edisto  River.    A  few  people  met  me  here  in  the 

evening  ;  but  I  was  unwell,  and  weary,  and  sleepy,  and  very 
unfit  for  public  exercise. 


Jan.,  1793.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


179 


Saturday,  5.  Rode  fifty  miles  to  R  's,  and  rested  on 

the  Sabbath.  I  had  a  meeting  with  eight  or  ten  souls.  The 
people  in  these  parts  are  much  given  up  to  sin ;  they  have 
a  little  charity  for  the  Baptists,  but  none  at  all  for  the  Me- 
thodists. 

Monday,  t.  We  rode  thirty-seven  miles  to  T  's  ;  where, 

had  we  not  begged  and  promised  to  pay  well  for  it,  I  know 
not  if  we  should  have  been  taken  in. 

Georgia. — Tuesday,  8.    We  passed  Augusta,  and  rode 

thirty-seven  miles  to  H  's,  where  Ave  were  treated  kindly. 

Thence,  next  day,  to  Washington,  forty-four  miles.  I  was 
taken  ill  at  brother  M  's. 

Thursday,  10.  Met  our  dear  brethren  in  conference.  Wc 
had  great  peace  and  union  :  the  Carolina  preachers  came  up 
to  change  with  those  in  Georgia :  all  things  happened  well. 
Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul !  We  now  agreed  to  unite  the 
Georgia  and  South  Carolina  conferences — to  meet  in  the  fork 
of  Seleuda  and  Broad  Rivers,  on  the  first  of  January,  1794. 
Our  sitting  ended  in  exceeding  great  love. 

Sabbath,  13.  Wc  had  sacrament,  love-feast,  and  ordination. 
I  felt  very  serious,  and  was  very  pointed  on  Acts  xx,  26,  27. 
I  have  now  had  an  opportunity  of  speaking  in  Washington : 
most  of  the  people  attended  to  hear  this  man  that  rambles 
through  the  United  States.  In  due  time  I  shall,  with  per- 
mission, visit  Georgia. 

Monday,  14.  I  preached  in  the  new  house  at  Grant's,  on, 
"  He  that  overcometh  shall  inherit  all  things,  and  I  will  be 
his  God,  and  he  shall  be  my  son." 

1.  The  Christian  soldier  has  to  overcome  the  world,  sin, 
and  the  devil,  with  his  temptations. 

2.  He  fights  under  the  banner  of  Christ,  who  is  the  Captain 
of  his  salvation. 

3.  His  armour  is  described  by  St.  Paul,  Ephes.  vi. 

4.  His  inheritance — Christian  tempers,  and  the  things  pro- 
mised to  the  seven  Churches  ;  and  finally,  glory — "  Will  be 
his  God" — giving  him  wisdom,  truth,  love — "He  shall  be 
my  son  " — a  son  partakes  of  the  nature  and  property  of  the 


180 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1793. 


father,  and  doeth  his  will ;  so  it  is  with  those  who  are  the 
children  of  God. 

Our  dear  Georgia  brethren  seem  to  think  some  of  us  shall 
visit  them  no  more :  they  appear  to  be  much  humbled,  and 
will  not  give  up  the  travelling  preachers.  I  am  now  bound 
for  Savannah  ;  where  I  may  see  the  former  walks  of  a  dear 
Wesley  and  Whitefield,  whom  I  hope  to  meet  in  the  new 
Jerusalem. 

Wednesday,  16.  We  had  to  swim  Long  Creek.    We  had 

few  to  hear  at  H  's ;  but  they  felt  the  word,  and  we  had 

a  good  time. 

When  the  weather  is  open  and  the  sun  shines,  the  days  are 
generally  warm  in  this  country ;  but  the  nights  are  cold,  and 
the  houses  open. 

Saturday,  19.  Was  taken  up  in  reading  Ostervald's  Chris- 
tian Theology  ;  it  is  simple,  plain,  and  interesting. 

Sunday,  20.  I  preached  at  Bethel  on  Peter  ii,  24,  25.  I 
had  a  full  congregation,  and  great  freedom  in  speaking :  the 
house  was  a  miserable  one. 

Wednesday,  23.  I  came  to  Buckhead :  a  few  people  had 

gathered,  to  whom  I  gave  an  exhortation.    Reached  J  's  ; 

mailing  it  thirty-three  miles  without  refreshment,  being  out 
from  seven  to  seven  o'clock  again. 

Friday,  25.  I  rode  fiften  miles  to  my  very  loving  friend 

brother  D  's :  here  my  mind  was  exercised  with  what  I 

heard  and  felt.    Mr.  Matthews  wrote  brother  D  he  had 

been  taught  my  iniquity,  to  which  Mr.  H  (his  brother) 

gave  his  sanction.  And  why  was  I  thus  charged  ?  Because 
I  did  not  establish  Mr.  Wesley's  absolute  authority  over  the 
American  connexion  : — for  myself,  this  I  had  submitted  to ; 
but  the  Americans  were  too  jealous  to  bind  themselves  to 
yield  to  him  in  all  things  relative  to  Church  government.  Mr. 
Wesley  was  a  man  they  had  never  seen — was  three  thou- 
sand miles  off — how  might  submission,  in  such  a  case,  be 
expected?  Brother  Coke  and  myself  gave  offence  to  the 
connexion  by  enforcing  Mr.  Wesley's  will  in  some  matters  ; 
for  which  I  do  not  blame  Mr.  Wesley :  like  other  great  men 


Feb.,  1793.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


181 


lie  had  his  elbow  friends ;  and  like  other  people  I  had  my 
enemies. 

Tuesday,  29.  We  reach  Savannah.  Next  day  I  rode 
twelve  miles  along  a  fine,  sandy  road  to  view  the  ruins  of  Mr. 
Whitefield's  Orphan-House :  we  found  the  place,  and  having 
seen  the  copperplate,  which  I  recognised,  I  felt  very  awful ; 
the  wings  are  yet  standing,  though  much  injured,  and  the 
school  house  still  more.  It  is  reported  that  Mr.  Whitefield 
observed,  whilst  eating  his  last  dinner  in  the  house,  "This 
house  was  built  for  God ;  and  cursed  be  the  man  that  puts  it 
to  any  other  use."  The  land  for  the  support  of  the  school  is 
of  little  value,  except  two  rice  plantations,  which  we  passed  in 
our  route. 

I  returned  to  Savannah,  and  preached  on  Luke  xix,  10,  to 
a  serious  people,  with  whom  I  had  liberty. 

Friday,  February  1.  I  came  to  Ebenezer,  and  had  a 
pleasing  interview  with  Mr.  Bergman  ;  he  cannot  speak  much 
English.  The  Lord  has  certainly  something  in  design  for  this 
man,  more  than  to  be  buried  in  this  place.  We  rode  through 
rice  plantations  for  nearly  two  miles,  and  Avere  entangled  in 
the  swamp.    0,  how  dreadful  to  be  here  in  the  dark ! 

Saturday,  2.  I  am  not  enough  in  prayer.  I  have  said 
more  than  was  for  the  glory  of  God  concerning  those  who 
have  left  the  American  connexion,  and  who  have  reviled  Mr. 
Wesley,  Mr.  Fletcher,  Doctor  Coke,  and  poor  me.  0  that  I 
could  trust  the  Lord  more  than  I  do,  and  leave  his  cause 
wholly  in  his  own  hands  ! 

This  being  Saturday,  we  rest  to  read  and  write,  having 
ridden,  since  Monday  morning,  about  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
four  miles. 

I  reflect  upon  the  present  ruin  of  the  Orphan-House ;  and 
taking  a  view  of  the  money  expended,  the  persons  employed, 
the  preachers  sent  over,  I  was  led  to  inquire,  where  are  they  ? 
and  how  has  it  sped  ?  The  earth,  the  army,  the  Baptists,  the 
Church,  the  Independents,  have  swallowed  them  all  up  at 
this  windmill  end  of  the  continent.  A  wretched  country  this  ! 
— but  there  are  souls,  precious  souls,  worth  worlds. 


182 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Feb.,  1*793. 


I  was  offered  the  use  of  the  court-house  to  preach  in,  but 
the  night  being  cold  and  windy,  prevented :  I  preached  at 

Mr.  M  's.    We  want  a  house  here,  which  I  expect  we 

shall  obtain.  I  suppose  there  are  five  hundred  houses  of  all 
sorts ;  and  if  I  guess  well,  about  two  thousand  inhabitants. 
There  is  one  Lutheran  Church,  with,  perhaps,  fifty  or  sixty 
members.  Goshen  church  is  about  forty  by  twenty-five,  well- 
finished  :  Mr.  B  and  the  congregation  have  given  it  to  us, 

on  condition  that  we  supply  them  Avith  preaching  on  Sabbath 
days — once  in  two,  or  even  three  weeks. 

I  lodged  at  our  kind  W  's.    Crossed  the  Savannah  at 

the  Sister-Ferry ;  and  came  on  to  Blackswamp,  and  in  the 
dark  got  pretty  well  scratched  by  the  trees. 

South  Carolina. — Sunday,  3.  Preached  at  Blackswamp 
church  on  2  Cor.  iii,  9  :  the  subject  was  pointed ;  and  the 
people  were  attentive. 

Monday,  4.  I  preached  at  Purisburg  to  a  full  house  :  some 
of  the  women  appeared  to  feel  the  word.  We  had  a  heavy 
ride  :  I  was  faint,  and  low-spirited  at  the  view  which  I  could  not 
fail  to  take  of  the  state  of  professors  and  sinners.  I  had  about 
fifty  hearers,  and  was  invited  to  a  friend's  house,  but  thought 
it  best  to  pursue  my  journey.  We  came  to  Salt  Ketchers 
bridge,  where  we  stopped  to  pay  our  fare — but  0,  the  scent 
of  rum,  and  men  filled  with  it !  How  shocking  !  Who  could 
enter  such  a  house !  I  hoped  for  quiet  private  entertainment 
at  Red  Hill !  but  the  gentleman  refused  to  receive  us  for  love, 
money,  or  hospitality's  sake.  I  then  sent  brother  R.  to  know 
if  we  could  get  in  at  the  next  negro-quarter :  into  the  house 
we  might  be  permitted  to  enter,  but  we  could  get  no  corn  for 
our  horses,  and  no  bed  for  ourselves :  overseers  dare  not,  and 
their  employers  will  not,  receive  strangers  :  they  are  too  proud 
to  sell,  and  too  covetous  to  give.    At  length  we  providentially 

reached  a  Mr.  C  's,  a  schoolmaster  and  minister:  we 

bought  some  corn  for  our  horses,  and  had  tea,  and  bread  and 
cheese  for  ourselves.  I  saw  some  beautiful  boys  at  this 
house :  had  these  children  the  opportunity  of  a  northern  edu- 
cation, what  choice  young  men  they  might  make  !    I  was 


Fed.,  1*793.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


183 


happy  in  the  house,  and  pleased  with  two  poor  blacks,  who 
were  much  moved  under  prayer.  Next  morning  I  set  out 
about  six  o'clock,  and  passing  the  Fishpond  we  came  on 
slowly  to  Parker's  ferry.  I  found  my  appointment  to  meet 
brother  Jackson  was  not  properly  made ;  and  as  it  was  out  of 

my  way,  I  made  a  sudden  turn  to  G  's,  on  Edisto  River. 

After  dinner  I  met  with  who  offered  to  be  our  guide  ; 

but  when  I  began  to  show  him  his  folly  and  the  dangerous 
state  of  his  soul,  he  soon  left  us,  and  we  had  to  beat  our  way 
through  the  swamps  as  well  as  we  could :  he  said  he  had 
killed  a  negro  worth  sixty  pounds,  and  a  valuable  horse  with 
racingT  Pushing  on  we  found  our  way  to  the  ferry,  and 
crossed  about  eight  o'clock. 

I  laid  me  down  at  nine,  and  rose  again  at  seven  o'clock  in 
the  morning  and  set  out :  travelling  through  heavy  rains, 
deep  swamps  in  dark  nights,  makes  both  man  and  beast  feel 
the  effect  of  yesterday's  journey  of  forty-five  miles.  My 
mind  has  been  severely  agitated  this  tour  ;  I  have  ridden  about 
six  hundred  and  fifty  miles  in  one  month,  lacking  one  day. 

Charleston'. — Friday  8.  I  have  got  through  Mr.  Wesley's 
Journal  as  far  as  1782.  Finding  the  subscription  set  on  foot 
at  the  conference  to  purchase  a  burying-ground  and  build  a 
house,  was  likely  to  succeed,  we  began  to  think  about  looking 
out  for  a  lot.  I  also  see  a  prospect  of  stationing  two  preach- 
ers here. 

Sunday,  10.  I  preached  with  some  life  on  Ezek.  xxxvi, 
25,  26  :  but  alas !  the  people  are  so  dissipated,  and  so  igno- 
rant of  Gospel  truth,  that  it  is  difficult  to  preach  to  them  ;  but 
I  cannot  spare,  though  they  keep  their  course  to  hell.  At 
night  I  spoke  on  Isaiah  vi,  8-10.  Our  congregation  consists 
of  five  hundred  souls  and  upwards;  three  hundred  being 
black. 

1  have  seen  Mr.  Johnson,  the  last  president  of  the  Orphan- 
House  in  Georgia,  who  confirmed  what  I  had  written  respect- 
ing it. 

Charleston  is  a  growing,  busy,  dreadfully  dissipated  place. 
The  printed  list  of  vessels  in  the  harbour  sets  forth,  fifty-three 


184 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Feb.,  1793. 


ships,  fifty-five  brigs,  twenty-five  sloops,  twenty-five  schoon- 
ers, seven  snows,  and  two  barques,  besides  pilot-boats  and 
coasters. 

Monday,  11.  Met  the  women's  class,  white  and  black,  and 
had  a  powerful  meeting.  They  agreed  to  hold  a  prayer- 
meeting,  once  a  week,  amongst  themselves. 

Tuesday,  12.  I  make  it  my  work  to  visit  every  afternoon. 
I  happily  met  with  Mr.  Wesley's  Journal,  bringing  the  date 
down  to  two  years  before  his  death.  I  could  not  but  speci- 
ally notice  that  his  latter  days  were  more  abundant  in  labours ; 
and  that  he  preached  in  places  formerly  unnoticed.  He  made 
this  observation,  (so  fixed  on  my  mind,)  that  it  is  rare— a  mere 
miracle,  for  a  Methodist  to  increase  in  wealth  and  not  de- 
crease in  grace.  I  have  now  read  the  third  volume  of  Gor- 
don's History  ;  Burnham's  Select  Martyrology ;  and  Memoirs 
of  Dying  Saints.  We  have  two  hundred  and  seventeen  tra- 
velling preachers  ;  and  about  fifty  thousand  members  in  the 
United  States.    Glory  to  God  in  the  highest ! 

Saturday,  16.  I  met  the  stewards  and  leaders:  it  was 
agreed  that  every  other  meeting  should  be  purely  spiritual — 
speaking  experience  and  opening  their  hearts  to  each  other. 

Sunday,  1 7.  I  preached  on  Romans  iii,  1 1-21.  In  the  even- 
ing was  very  low,  but  was  very  plain  on  Luke  xvi,  31.  The 
building  of  a  new  house,  and  stationing  another  preacher  in  this 
city,  and  the  state  of  this  and  the  Georgia  districts,  with  things 
relative  to  individuals  in  this  society,  do  not  work  to  my  mind ; 
I  felt  as  if  the  charm  was  near  breaking — some  wish  union  ; 
others  will  come  back.  The  union  must  first  take  place  with 
Dr.  C,  then  with  the  British  conference,  and  then  with  the 
American :  I  ask ;  who  made  us  twain,  and  strove  to  scatter 
fire-brands,  arrows,  and  death,  through  the  whole  continent  ? 

Wednesday,  20.  I  had  an  interview  with  Dr.  A.,  who  came 
from  the  north  for  his  health  ;  seeing  him  so  low,  and  fearing 
he  would  die  if  he  stayed  here,  I  hastily  invited  him  to  ride 
out  into  the  countiy  with  me. 

Thursday,  21.  We  left  the  city  on  small  horses,  with 
heavy  baggage.    We  came  to  the  Cypress  Swamp  in  the 


Mar.,  1793.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


18S 


night,  following  a  poor  negro,  who  waded  through  as  a  guide, 
and  not  expecting  to  find  it  as  bad  as  it  was :  at  length  we 

came  to  sister  B  's,  and  were  kindly  received ;  I  found 

no  appointments  were  made  for  me,  owing  to  brother  

being  sick. 

Friday,  22.  We  set  our  for  Santee,  but  missed  our  way, 
and  took  the  road  to  Fourholds-Bridge,  being  six  miles  out 
of  our  course.  We  again  directed  our  course  to  Santee ; 
and  after  coming  within  sight  of  Managoe's  ferry,  I  took  a 
wrong  road,  and  went  three  miles  up  the  river.  We  came 
to  Mr.  H.'s,  where  we  were  comfortable,  and  had  whatever 
we  wanted. 

Saturday,  23.  We  had  our  difficulties  in  getting  across  the 
river — the  overseer  had  moved  the  flat  to  the  middle  ground, 
and  would  not  suffer  any  one  to  have  it ;  I  entreated  him  in 
behalf  of  the  sick,  but  in  vain.  Had  we  waited  a  few  minutes 
longer,  our  dear  brother  B.  would  have  been  there  to  conduct 
us.    I  have  lately  had  cross  winds  ;  the  roads,  myself,  Satan, 

and  my  sick  companion,  Dr.  A  ,  have  all  been  matter  of 

trial  to  me. 

Sunday,  24.  I  preached  the  funeral  of  our  brother  B  , 

on  Isaiah  lvii,  1.  The  congregation  was  large  and  attentive, 
but  appeared  stupid  and  unfeeling. 

Monday,  25.  Came  to  brother  B  's,  the  weather  as  sul- 
try as  in  the  month  of  July  in  the  north.    We  rode  thirty  miles. 

Thursday,  28.  The  weather  was  exceedingly  cold,  so  that 
we  declined  going  to  the  chapel,  but  had  a  comfortable  meet- 
ing at  brother  R  's,  on  Ephes.  vi,  10-20. 

Saturday,  March  2.   We  crossed  the  water  at  E  's 

ferry,  and  came  to  father  M  's,  an  Englishman,  from  Ep- 

worth  ;  who  was  formerly  converted,  but,  living  under  Anti- 
nomian  dotages,  he  lost  the  blessing.  I  trust  the  Lord  hath 
again  restored  him  by  means  of  our  labours.  Here  we  have 
a  chapel  and  society. 

Sunday,  3.  This  day  was  rainy,  yet  nearly  four  hundred 
souls  came  together  ;  but  I  could  not  fix  the  attention  of  the 
people,  nor  get  them  to  understand. 


180 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Mat?.,  1793. 


Monday,  4.  Came  to  H  's,  and  thence  through  Colum- 
bia, the  capital  of  South  Carolina,   Brother  Ellis,  who  is  nearly 

risen  from  the  dead,  accompanied  me  from  M  's :  having 

left  one  sick  man,  I  now  take  up  another.  We  came  to  a 
house  five  miles  from  Columbia  ;  we  got  a  little  bread,  drank 
our  own  tea,  had  our  horses  fed,  and  paid  two  dollars  next 
morning — so  the  matter  ended. 

Tuesday,  5.  We  had  our  difficulties  in  crossing  the  river, 
which  was  rising  ;  and  in  beating  up  Cedar-Creek  fifteen 
miles,  much  of  it  through  the  woods  :  in  the  evening,  we 
came  greatly  wearied  to  R — - — 's,  and  were  kindly  entertained  : 
it  may  be  that  Providence  sent  us  here  for  some  good — the 
man  and  his  wife  feel  the  want  of  religion. 

Wednesday,  6.   We  came  to  Little-River-Bridge;  crossed 

at  S  's  ferry,  and  at  length  came,  thoroughly  wearied,  to 

brother  Finch's.  I  expect  we  have  been  forced  to  ride  twenty 
or  thirty  miles  out  of  our  way  among  strangers  on  account  of 
high  waters  ;  my  mind  has  been  variously  tried  :  I  have  been 
employed  in  improving  myself  in  the  Hebrew  tones  and  points  ; 
this  being  my  horseback  study. 

Thursday,  7.  Preached  at  F  's.    I  consulted  the  minds 

of  our  brethren  about  building  a  house  for  conference,  preach- 
ing, and  a  district  school ;  but  I  have  no  ground  to  believe 
that  our  well-laid  plan  will  be  executed — our  preachers  are 
unskilful,  and  our  friends  have  little  money. 

Friday,  8.  The  rains  continued,  and  the  waters  kept  up ; 
crossed  Enoree — high,  and  rising  powerfully.  Tyger  River 
being  impassable,  we  rode  to  Cokesbridge,  and  had  a 
hungry  time  :  came  to  brother  W  's,  near  Union  court- 
house. 

I  next  day  preached  to  a  few  people  at  the  open  meeting- 
house, with  some  spiritual  opening  and  sweetness.  We 
were  closely  employed  in  writing  subscriptions  for  the  dis- 
trict school,  and  copies  of  the  constitutions.  Great  rains  still 
continue. 

Thursday,  14.1  preached  at  Flat-Rock,  in  an  open  house, 
to  an  unfeeling  people.    Thence  we  came  to  Pacolet :  the 


Mar.,  1793.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


187 


waters  were  up  ;  but  for  our  money  we  got  across  in  a  flat 
that  had  drifted  and  was  taken  up. 

Friday,  15.   Came  to  father  S  's,  a  German ;  first  a 

Baptist,  then  a  Methodist,  hut  last,  and  best  of  all,  a  Christian. 

Saturday  and  Sunday,  16,  17.  Attended  quarterly-meeting 
in  Union  circuit.  There  were  no  elders  present.  I  preached 
on  Eph.  vi,  10-18,  and  felt  a  great  death  among  the  people. 
Sunday,  we  administered  the  sacrament  and  held  love-feast. 

I  desired  D.  A  to  preach,  and  brother  G  to  exhort, 

whilst  I  retired  to  write  to  I.  S  ,  desiring  him  to  take  the 

presidentship  of  Union,  Catawba,  Little  Pee  Dee,  Great  Pee 
Dee,  Anson,  and  Santee  circuits. 

The  people  hereabouts  have  been  poorly  handled  by  those 
who,  whilst  they  made  a  great  profession  of  religion,  main- 
tained Antinomian  principles  and  practice.  I  have  been 
unwell,  occasioned  by  the  change  of  seasons,  houses,  and 
tables.  Came  to  brother  M — — 's  on  Sunday  evening,  to  get 
a  day  of  rest.  I  feel  the  want  of  religion  in  families,  congre- 
gations, and  societies.  I  have  travelled  about  three  hundred 
miles  the  last  three  weeks ;  and  have  escaped  the  excessive 
rains,  but  have  had  to  wrestle  with  floods. 

North  Carolina. — Monday,  18.  I  spent  in  writing  sun- 
dry letters  to  the  north  ;  and  in  my  favourite  study. 

Tuesday,  19.  I  had  a  full  house  at  L  's.    I  felt  very 

unfit  for  public  exercises,  both  in  body  and  mind.  I  have 
little  desire  to  come  here  again : — we  can  hardly  get  enter- 
tainment. We  want  brethren  and  children  here.  A  woman 
invited  us  to  her  house  ;  but  when  I  understood  the  distance, 
I  determined  to  haste  along,  and  made  it  about  thirty  miles 

to  F  's,  in  the  cove  of  the  mountain  ;  where  we  rested  in 

peace,  after  getting  a  little  Indian  bread,  fried  bacon,  and 
drinking  some  of  our  tea.  Our  lodging  was  on  a  bed  set 
upon  forks,  and  clap-boards  laid  across,  in  an  earthen-floor 
cabin.  But  worse  than  all  the  rest,  these  people  decline  in 
religion.  I  feel  awful  for  them  on  this  account.  Next  morn- 
ing, about  sunrise,  we  took  the  path  up  the  mountain. 

I  sent  D.  A.  to  Dr.  Busnell's,  to  inquire  if  there  was  any 


188 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Mar.,  1793. 


expectation  of  my  coming  to  Burke  to  preach  ;  for  being 
indisposed,  I  intended  to  turn  aside  to  Johns  River.  D.  A. 
returned  ;  and  the  Doctor's  nephew  pursued,  and  brought  us 
to  town,  where  I  gave  them  a  plain,  pointed  sermon  on,  "  The 
Son  of  man  is  come  to  seek  and  save  that  which  was  lost :" 
every  one,  young  and  old,  lawyers,  doctors,  and  clerks,  were 
obliging,  attentive,  and  serious.  Doctor  Busnell  is  a  man  I 
have  heard  of  these  twenty  years,  but  knew  him  not  until 
now.  He  descended  from  the  Bohemians.  His  son  Joseph 
was  happily  brought  home  to  God  by  means  of  the  Method- 
ists ;  he  lived  to  God,  and  died  in  Winchester  about  twelve 
months  ago.  The  Doctor's  usage  to  me  was  that  of  a  gentle- 
man and  Christian.  The  transition  with  respect  to  entertain- 
ment was  very  great :  here  we  had  a  table,  bed,  room,  and 
whatever  we  wanted  ;  but  all  this  could  not  give  me  rest, 
having  a  return  of  my  rheumatic  and  nervous  complaints. 

Friday,  22.  Rode  up  to  Johns  River :  I  am  heavy;  cannot 
attend  study  nor  mental  prayer,  and  company  is  irksome.  O 
that  my  soul  were  always  flaming  with  perfect  love !  In  the 
evening  eight  of  us  met  together,  and  conversed  on  the  work 
of  God  :  all  was  love.  Brother  P.  gave  us  an  animating  ser- 
mon on,  "  By  whom  shall  Jacob  arise  ?  for  he  is  small." 

Sunday,  24.  I  preached  on  1  Cor.  xiv,  3  ;  there  was  a 
noise,  and  a  shaking  each  day  :  some  were  awakened,  one 
professed  to  be  converted,  and  several  to  be  quickened :  the 
meeting  lasted  from  nine,  A.  M.,  to  four  o'clock,  P.  M. 
"  While  he  was  yet  speaking,  there  came  also  another."  I 
heard  there  was  a  conference  appointed  at  Reese's  chapel,  in 
Charlotte  county,  Virginia,  to  form  what  they  call  a  free 
constitution,  and  a  pure  Church  ;  and  to  reject  me  and  my 
creatures.  I  know  not  whose  hand  is  in  this ;  I  hope  they 
will  call  themselves  by  another  name.  Only  let  them  settle 
in  congregations,  and  tax  the  people,  and  I  know  how  it  will 
work.  If  we  (the  itinerant  connexion)  would  give  the  govern- 
ment into  the  hands  of  a  local  ministry,  as  some  would  have 
it,  and  tax  the  people  to  pay  preachers  for  Sabbath  work — 
this  would  please  such  men  :  but  this  we  dare  not  do.  When- 


Mar.,  1793.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


189 


ever  the  people  are  unwilling  to  receive  us,  and  think  they 
can  do  better,  we  will  quietly  withdraw  from  them ;  and  if 
those  who  wish  the  change  can  serve  them  better  than  we 
have  done,  well.  Perhaps  some  of  them  may  think  with 
 ,  in  Georgia,  that  I  am  the  greatest  villain  on  the  con- 
tinent ;  I  bid  such  adieu,  and  appeal  to  the  bar  of  God.  I 
have  no  time  to  contend,  having  better  work  to  do  :  if  we 
lose  some  children,  God  will  give  us  more.  Ah  !  this  is  the 
mercy,  the  justice  of  some,  who,  under  God,  owe  their  all  to 
me,  and  my  tyrants,  so  called.  The  Lord  judge  between 
them  and  me  !  There  appears  to  be  a  general  quickening  in 
the  Yadkin  circuit,  and  about  eight  souls  have  professed 
conversion  there  in  the  last  three  months. 

Monday,  25.  I  rested  and  prepared  to  cross  the  Harmon 
harim — the  multitude  of  mountains. 

Tuesday,  26.  We  wrought  up  the  meanders  of  Johns  River 
to  the  Globe,  and  met  a  few  people  at  Mr.  Moor's,  a  Baptist, 
a  very  kind  head  of  a  respectable  family. 

Wednesday,  27.  We  began  our  journey  over  the  great 
ridge  of  mountains  :  we  had  not  gone  far  before  we  saw  and 
felt  the  snow ;  the  sharpness  of  the  air  gave  me  a  deep  cold, 
not  unlike  an  influenza.    We  came  to  the  head  of  Watauga 

River.    Stopped  at  Mr.  S  's,  and  had  some  enlargement 

on,  "  The  promise  is  to  you  and  to  your  children,"  &c.  My 
soul  felt  for  these  neglected  people.  It  may  be,  by  my 
coming  this  way,  Providence  will  so  order  it,  that  I  shall  send 
them  a  preacher.    We  hasted  on  to  Cove's  Creek,  invited 

ourselves  to  stay  at  C  's,  where  we  made  our  own  tea, 

obtained  some  butter  and  milk,  and  some  most  excellent  Irish 
potatoes :  we  were  presented  with  a  little  flax  for  our  beds, 
on  which  we  spread  our  coats  and  blankets,  and  three  of  us 
slept  before  a  large  fire. 

Tnursday,  28.  We  made  an  early  start,  and  enmc  to  the 
Beaver-Dam  ;  three  years  ago  we  slept  here  in  a  cabin  without 

a  cover.    We  made  a  breakfast  at  Mr.  W  's  ;  and  then 

attempted  the  iron  or  stone  mountain,  which  is  steep  like  the 
roof  of  a  house.    I  found  it  difficult  and  trying  to  my  lungs 


190 


ASBTJRY'S  JOURNAL.         [Apr.,  1793. 


to  walk  up  it.  Descending  the  mountain,  we  had  to  jump 
down  the  steep  stairs,  from  two  to  three  and  four  feet.  At 
the  foot  of  this  mountain  our  guide  left  us  to  a  man  on  foot ; 
he  soon  declined,  and  we  made  the  best  of  our  way  to  Dug- 
ger's  ford,  on  Roans  Creek.  We  came  down  the  river,  where 
there  are  plenty  of  large,  round,  rolling  stones,  and  the  stream 
was  rapid.  My  horse  began  to  grow  dull :  an  intermittent 
fever  and  a  deep  cold  disordered  me  much.  I  was  under 
obligations  to  Henry  Hill,  my  new  aid,  who  was  ready  to  do 
anything  for  me  in  his  power.  Perhaps  Providence  moved 
him  to  offer  to  travel  with  me,  and  his  father  to  recommend 
him.  Twenty  years  ago  a  rude,  open  loft  did  not  affect  me 
— now  it  seldom  fails  to  injure  me. 

Tennessee. — Friday,  29.  We  took  our  journey  deliberately. 
We  passed  Doe  River  at  the  fork,  and  came  through  the  Gap  ; 
a  most  gloomy  scene — not  unlike  the  Shades  of  Death  in  the 

Alleghany  mountain.    Mr.  L  ,  a  kind  Presbyterian,  fed 

our  horses  gratis.  I  must  give  the  Presbyterians  the  prefer- 
ence for  respect  to  ministers.    We  prayed,  and  came  on  to 

 ,  a  kind  people ;  but  to  our  sorrow  we  find  it  low  times 

for  religion  on  Holstein  and  Watauga  Rivers.  In  Green  cir- 
cuit there  is  some  increase.  My  way  opens ;  and  I  think  I 
shall  go  to  Kentucky.  I  laid  my  hands  on  what  is  called 
"  The  Principles  of  Politeness,"  imitated  from  Chesterfield  : 
it  contains  some  judicious  remarks,  and  shows  the  author  to 
have  been  a  man  of  sense  and  education,  but  of  no  religion. 
He  recommends  some  things  contrary  thereto. 

Tuesday,  April  2.  Our  conference  began  at  Nelson's,  near 
Jonesborough,  in  the  new  territory.  We  have  only  four  or 
five  families  of  Methodists  here.  We  had  sweet  peace  in  our 
conference. 

Wednesday,  3.  I  gave  an  exhortation  after  brothers  H  

and  M'H  had  preached,  and  there  was  a  melting  among 

the  people. 

Thursday,  4.  I  had  a  happy  time  at  my  old  friend 
C  's ;  I  am  pained  for  his  children,  who  are  yet  uncon- 
verted. 


Arn.,  1/93.J          ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


191 


Friday,  5.  Rode  to  Nolachucky,  and  attended  a  meeting 

at  Squire  E  's,  where  I  had  about  two  hundred  hearers. 

We  have  formed  a  society  in  this  place  of  thirty-one  members, 
most  of  them  new.  There  are  appearances  of  danger  on  the 
road  to  Kentucky  ;  but  the  Lord  is  with  us.  We  have  formed 
a  company  of  nine  men,  (five  of  whom  are  preachers,)  who  are 
well  armed  and  mounted. 

Saturday,  6.  Rode  to  Green  ,  and  crossed  the  grand 

island  ford  of  Nolachucky :  the  lowlands  are  very  rich,  the 
uplands  barren.  Stopped  and  fed  at  Green  court-house  ;  here 
was  brought  a  corpse  to  the  grave  in  a  covered  carriage  drawn 
by  four  horses.  Solemn  sight !  Be  instructed,  0  my  soul ! 
A  Avhisky  toper  gave  me  a  cheer  of  success  as  one  of  John 
Wesley's  congregation  !  I  came  on  alone  through  heavy  rains, 
over  bad  hills  and  poor  ridges,  to  brother  Vanpelt's,  on  Lick 
Creek ;  he  is  brother  to  Peter,  my  old,  first  friend  on  Staten 
Island  :  I  was  weary,  damp,  and  hungry  ;  but  had  a  comforta- 
ble habitation,  and  kind,  loving  people,  who  heard,  refreshed, 
and  fed  me.  We  had  a  large  congregation  at  brother  Van- 
pelt's  chapel,  where  I  had  liberty  in  speaking.  I  left  the 
young  men  to  entertain  the  people  awhile  longer,  and  returned 
and  read  Mr.  Wesley's  Sermon  on  Riches. 

If  reports  be  true,  there  is  danger  in  journeying  through 
the  wilderness ;  but  I  do  not  fear — we  go  armed.  If  God 
suffer  Satan  to  drive  the  Indians  on  us ;  if  it  be  his  will,  he 
will  teach  our  hands  to  war,  and  our  fingers  to  fight  and  conquer. 

Monday,  8.  Our  guard  appeared,  fixed,  and  armed,  for  the 
wilderness.  We  came  down  to  E  's,  and  were  well  en- 
tertained. Thence  we  proceeded  on  to  the  main  branch  of 
Holstein,  which,  being  swelled,  we  crossed  in  a  flat ;  thence  to 

R  's,  where  I  found  the  reports  relative  to  the  Indians 

were  true — they  had  killed  the  post  and  one  or  two  more,  and 
taken  some  prisoners.  I  had  not  much  thought  or  fear  about 
them. 

Tuesday,  9.  We  came  off :  there  were  only  eight  in  our 
company,  and  eight  in  the  other ;  two  women  and  three  chil- 
dren.   We  had  two  poor  sinners,  that  set  themselves  to  work 


102 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Apr.,  1793. 


Avickedness :  they  would  not  let  us  go  foremost ;  so  we  took 
it  patiently,  and  followed  up  to  the  Cumherland  station.  I 
went  to  Robinson's  station,  where  the  soldiers  behaved  civilly. 
We  gave  them  two  exhortations,  and  had  prayer  with  them. 
They  honoured  me  with  the  swinging  hammock,  (a  bear  skin,) 
which  was  as  great  a  favour  to  me  as  the  governor's  bed ; 
here  I  slept  well. 

Kentucky,  (East  line.) — Wednesday,  10.  We  hasted  on  our 
way,  meeting  with  our  troubles  at  the  foot  of  Cumberland 
mountain ;  we  then  went  foremost,  and  travelled  at  a  great 
rate,  the  roads  being  uncommonly  good.  We  fed  on  the 
banks  of  Cumberland  River,  and  kept  up  the  head  of  Rich 
Lands.  We  then  pushed  through  Little  and  Big  Laurel  to 
the  Hazle  Patch,  Hood's  station.  Here  there  was  high  life 
below  stairs  ;  talking,  laughing,  &c.  We  had  a  troop  of  poor, 
A  ery  poor  sinners ;  I  gave  dreadful  offence  by  a  prayer  I 
made.  After  resting  here  from  three  to  six,  we  urged  our 
way  along  the  new  road  to  Rock  Castle.  Fed  at  the  deserted 
station,  and  hasted  to  Willis  Green's ;  but  missing  our  way, 
did  not  get  in  until  eight  o'clock :  a  supper  at  that  time  was 
good,  and  a  bed  was  better,  having  not  slept  in  one  for  three 
nights,  and  having  ridden  one  hundred  miles  in  two  days.  I 
felt  so  well  in  the  morning  I  was  ready  to  set  out  for  Salt 
River.  I  went  to  Danville,  and  set  myself  down  in  Mr.  Rice's 
church  ;  thence  to  F.  Clark's,  where  I  was  not  expected,  but 

was  quite  welcome.    I  left  my  aid  and  pack-horse  at  G  's, 

to  rest. 

Saturday,  13.  We  rode  tliirty-three  miles  down  to  a  quar- 
terly meeting  at  Humphries  chapel.  Here  my  presence  sur- 
prised the  brethren.  The  state  of  the  work  here  appears  to 
be  low.  I  had  some  light,  life,  and  liberty  in  preaching,  and 
some  felt  the  word.  We  closed  our  meeting  after  several  had 
joined  in  prayer.  Lord,  remember  the  labours  of  this  day ! 
Let  not  thy  faithful  word  fall  to  the  ground  !  From  the  quar- 
terly meeting  we  came  to  Col.  Harding's.  He  has  been  gone 
some  time,  as  a  commissioner,  to  treat  with  the  Indians  ;  if  he 
is  dead,  here  is  a  widow  and  six  children  left.    I  cannot  yet 


Apr.,  1*793.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


193 


give  him  up  for  lost.    We  had  a  large  congregation  at  W  's, 

where  I  was  led  out  on  Psa.  xxxiv,  17-20.  I  cannot  stand 
quarterly  meetings  every  day  ;  none  need  desire  to  he  an  Ame- 
rican bishop  upon  our  plan,  for  the  ease,  honour,  or  interest, 
that  attends  the  office :  from  my  present  views  and  feelings, 
I  am  led  to  wish  the  conference  would  elect  another  bishop, 
which  might  afford  me  some  help. 

Tuesday,  16.  Rode  thirty  miles  without  food  for  man  or 
horse.  I  was  uncomfortable  when  I  came  into  the  neighbour- 
hood of  W  's :  there  is  a  falling  away  among  the  people. 

Lord,  help  me  to  bear  up  in  the  evil  day  !  Let  me  not  disquiet 
myself,  and  kill  man  and  horse  in  vain ! 

Thursday,  18.  I  rode  sixteen  miles  to  Clarke's  station  to 
attend  the  quarterly  meeting.  My  winter's  clothing,  the  heat 
of  the  weather,  and  my  great  exertions  in  travelling,  cause  me 
to  be  heavy  with  sleep  ;  yet,  blessed  be  God,  1  live  continually 
in  his  presence,  and  Christ  is  all  in  all  to  my  soul ! 

Friday,  19.  I  preached  a  short,  pointed  sermon;  and  the 
preachers  and  members  were  moved. 

Sunday,  21.  We  had  sacrament  and  love-feast;  and  some 
spoke  much  to  the  purpose  :  my  subject  was  Hcb.  vi,  4-8. 
The  congregation  was  very  large.  I  endeavoured  to  show, 
1st.  How  far  people  may  advance  in  the  grace  of  God;  2d. 
By  what  degrees  they  may  apostatize ;  3d,  The  impossibility 
of  a  recovery  when  they  arrive  at  a  certain  degree  of  wicked- 
ness : — (1.)  Because  they  sin  against  God,  Christ,  and  the  Eter- 
nal Spirit,  and  lose  all  they  ever  felt  or  knew ; — (2.)  Every 
means  is  lost  upon  them ;  to  sin  against  the  remedy,  is  to  be 
undone  without  it.  The  difference  between  those  who  are  re- 
coverable and  those  who  are  not :  such  are  not  who  deny  the 
work  to  be  of  God,  persecute,  and  say  the  devil  was  the  au- 
thor of  it ;  the  others  acknowledge  the  work  that  it  was  of 
God,  and  have  some  regard  for  his  people.  Lastly  ;  that  the 
only  security  pointed  out  by  the  apostles  against  apostasy,  is 
to  go  on  to  perfection. 

Tuesday,  23.  I  was  at  Bethel — the  place  intended  for  a 
school. 

Vol.  II.— 9 


104 


ASBUEY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1793. 


Sunday,  28.  We  had  sacrament  and  love-feast,  and  some 
living  testimonies. 

Monday,  29.  Rode  through  the  rain  to  Lexington.  I  stop- 
ped at  C.  White's  once  more.  0  that  God  may  help  him 
safe  to  glory  !  Came  to  brother  Morgan's.  I  felt  awful  and 
solemn,  and  some  dejection  of  mind.  Ah !  want  of  religion 
is  too  visible  in  most  houses. 

Tuesday  30,  Wednesday,  May  1,  Thursday  2.  We  spent 
in  conference  ;  and  in  openly  speaking  our  minds  to  each  other. 
We  ended  under  the  melting,  praying,  praising  power  of  God. 
We  appointed  trustees  for  the  school ;  and  made  sundry  regu- 
lations relative  thereto:  we  read  the  Form  of  Discipline 
through,  section  by  section,  in  conference. 

Friday,  3.  I  preached  on  Habakkuk  iii,  2.  I  first  pointed 
out  the  distinguishing  marks  of  a  work  of  God  ;  2d,  The  sub- 
jects ;  3d,  "The  instruments ;  4th,  The  means.  If  ever  I  de- 
livered my  own  soul,  I  think  I  have  done  it  this  day.  Some 
people  were  moved  in  an  extraordinary  manner,  shouting  and 
jumping  at  a  strange  rate. 

Saturday,  4.  Came  to  Bethel  to  meet  the  trustees. 

Sunday,  5.  We  had  an  awful  time  whilst  I  opened  and  ap- 
plied "  Knowing  therefore  the  terror  of  the  Lord,  we  persuade 
men."  It  was  a  feeling,  melting  time,  among  old  and  young  ; 
and  I  am  persuaded  good  was  certainly  done  this  day.  I  feel 
a  good  deal  tried  in  spirit,  yet,  blessed  be  God,  I  still  have 
peace  within ;  God  is  all  to  me :  I  want  more  faith  to  trust 
him  with  my  life,  and  all  I  have  and  am. 

Tuesday,  1.  We  rode  down  to  the  Crab  Orchard,  where 
we  found  company  enough,  some  of  whom  were  very  wild : 
we  had  a  company  of  our  own,  and  refused  to  go  with  them. 
Some  of  them  gave  us  very  abusive  language ;  and  one  man 
went  upon  a  hill  above  us,  and  fired  a  pistol  towards  our  com- 
pany. We  resolved  to  travel  in  our  order,  and  bound  our- 
selves by  honour  and  conscience  to  support  and  defend  each 
other,  and  to  see  every  man  through  the  wilderness.  But 
we  could  not  depend  upon  wicked  and  unprincipled  men,  who 
would  leave  and  neglect  us,  and  even  curse  us  to  our  faces. 


May,  1793.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


105 


Nor  were  we  at  liberty  to  mix  with  swearers,  liars,  drunkards ; 
and,  for  aught  we  know,  this  may  not  be  the  worst  with  some. 
We  were  about  fourteen  or  fifteen  in  company  ;  and  had  twelve 
guns  and  pistols.  We  rode  on  near  the  defeated  camp,  and 
rested  till  three  o'clock  under  great  suspicion  of  Indians :  we 
poshed  forward  ;  and  by  riding  forty-five  miles  on  Wednesday, 
and  about  the  same  distance  on  Thursday,  we  came  safe  to 
Robinson's  station,  about  eight  o'clock. 

Friday,  10.  We  rode  leisurely  from  the  edge  of  the  wil- 
derness, crossed  Holstein,  and  about  one  o'clock  came  to 
brother  E  's,  it  being  about  sixteen  miles. 

Tennessee. — Saturday,  11.  We  came  to  brother  Vanpelt's, 
with  whom  we  rested  on  the  Sabbath.  I  have  travelled  be- 
tween five  and  six  hundred  miles  in  the  last  four  weeks,  and 
have  rested  from  riding  fifteen  days  at  conferences,  and  other 
places.  I  have  been  much  distressed  with  this  night  work — 
no  regular  meals,  nor  sleep ;  and  it  is  difficult  to  keep  up 
prayer  in  such  rude  companies  as  we  have  been  exposed 
to ;  I  have  also  been  severely  afflicted  through  the  whole 
journey. 

Monday,  13.  Was  a  day  of  great  trial;  we  rode  about 

forty-six  miles  ;  stopped  at  ,  where,  through  carelessness, 

I  nearly  had  been  burnt  up. 

Tuesday,  14.  At  eleven  o'clock  we  came  to  B  's.  The 

subject  was,  "  Let  this  mind  be  in  you  which  was  also  in 

Christ  Jesus."    Sisters  W  ,  and  H  ,  making  some 

clothing,  and  repairing  my  burnt  raiment  next  day,  we  could 
not  move  until  eight  o'clock.  We  then  set  out  without  a 
guide,  missed  our  road,  and  came  in  about  two  o'clock :  we 
found  the  people  patiently  waiting,  to  whom  I  preached  on 
"  Ye  will  not  come  to  me  that  ye  might  have  life." 

Virginia. —  Thursday,  16.  Came  to  Abingdon — felt  very 
heavy ;  I  however  preached  in  the  court-house  to  a  very 
genteel  people  on  the  words  of  Joshua,  "Ye  cannot  serve 
God,"  <kc. 

Saturday,  18.  Came  to  Sister  Russell's  ;  I  am  very  solemn. 
I  feel  the  want  of  the  dear  man  who,  I  trust,  is  now  in  Abra- 


196 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [M&T,  1793. 


ham's  bosom,  and  hope  ere  long  to  see  him  there.  He  was 
a  general  officer  in  the  continental  army,  where  he  underwent 
great  fatigue :  he  was  powerfully  brought  to  God,  and  for  a 
few  years  past  was  a  living  flame,  and  a  blessing  to  his  neigh- 
bourhood. He  went  in  the  dead  of  winter  on  a  visit  to  his 
friends ;  was  seized  with  an  influenza,  and  ended  his  life  from 
home :  0  that  the  Gospel  may  continue  in  this  house !  I 
preached  on  Heb.  xii,  1-4,  and  there  followed  several  exhor- 
tations. We  then  administered  the  sacrament,  and  there  was 
weeping  and  shouting  among  the  people :  our  exercises 
lasted  about  five  hours.  I  have  little  rest  by  night  or  by 
day.  Lord,  help  thy  poor  dust !  1  feel  unexpected  storms — 
within  from  various  quarters  ;  perhaps  it  is  designed  for  my 
humiliation.  It  is  a  sin  in  thought  that  I  am  afraid  of :  none 
but  Jesus  can  support  us,  by  his  merit,  his  Spirit,  his  right- 
eousness, his  intercession  ;  that  is,  Christ  in  all,  for  all,  through 
all,  and  in  every  mean,  and  word,  and  work. 

Monday,  20.  Rode  to  C  's,  and  was  well  steeped  in 

rain  :  here  I  wrote  a  plan  for  a  district  school. 

Wednesday,  22.  We  rode  forty-five  miles  to  H.'s,  where  Ave 
had  many  people.  About  five  o'clock,  on  our  way  over  the 
hills,  we  felt  the  rain  without,  and  hunger  within :  next  day 
we  crossed  Walker's  Mountain,  and  in  the  evening  met  brother 
M  at  Munday's. 

Friday,  24.  Came  to  Rehoboth,  in  the  sinks  of  Green  Briar ; 
where  we  held  our  conference.  I  was  greatly  comforted  at 
tlic  sight  of  brothers  B.  J.  and  Ellis  Cox.  We  had  peace  in 
our  conference,  and  were  happy  in  our  cabin.  I  learn  that 
mischief  is  begun  in  the  lower  parts  of  Virginia ;  J.  O'Kelly, 
and  some  of  the  local  preachers,  are  the  promoters  and 
encouragers  of  divisions  among  the  brethren. 

Tuesday,  28.  We  passed  the  Sweet  Springs,  and  crossed  a 
rough  mountain  to  brother  Drew's,  on  Potts  Creek.  I  wrote 
many  letters  to  the  south  district  of  Virginia,  to  confirm  the 
souls  of  the  people,  and  guard  them  against  the  division  that 
is  attempted  among  them.  Came  to  E.  Mitchel's.  Crossed 
James  River,  near  the  mouth  of  Craiges  Creek  ;  but  was  pre- 


June,  1793.] 


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107 


vented  by  the  rain  from  pursuing  our  journey.  We  spent 
the  evening  comfortably  at  sister  Pryer's. 

Friday,  3 1 .  Rode  forty-five  miles  to  Moore's  furnace ;  and 
lodged  with  kind  brother  R. 

Saturday,  June  1.  We  came  to  Staunton,  a  very  unpleas- 
ing  place  to  me.  There  are  an  Episcopal  church,  a  court- 
house, good  taverns,  and  stores  here.    We  went  to  Mr.  's, 

expecting  to  find  a  friend  ;  after  making  the  trial,  we  thought 
it  best  to  return  and  take  lodging  in  a  tavern.  Thence  we 
proceeded  on  to  Rocktown,  a  beautiful  place  ;  here  I  felt  my- 
self stiff,  and  weary,  and  troubled  wilh  rheumatic  pains : 
sweet  sleep  was  quite  welcome.  My  congregation  was  small, 
the  people  not  having  proper  notice  of  my  coming.  Satan 
has  been  sowing  discord  here,  and  has  hindered  the  work  of 
God  ;  but  I  hope  the  approaching  quarterly  meeting  will  be 
a  blessing  to  them,  and  that  we  shall  not  toil  m  vain.  The 
loss  of  sleep,  and  other  circumstances,  made  me  very  heavy, 
and  brought  on  a  sick  headache,  which  I  had  not  felt  for 
some  time.  I  spent  the  evening  with  Doctor  Dulany.  Rose, 
and  took  the  rain  next  morning  as  usual,  having  had  rain  for 
eight  or  ten  days  successively.  On  my  way  I  was  met  by  an 
old  German,  who  shook  me  by  the  hand,  and  said  he  wished 
he  might  be  worthy  to  wash  my  feet.  Yea,  thought  I,  if 
you  knew  what  a  poor  sinful  creature  I  am,  you  would  hardly 
look  at  one  so  unworthy  ;  but  Jesus  lives — O  precious  Christ, 
thou  art  mine  and  I  am  thine  ! 

Came  to  Newtown :  the  roads  exceeding  miry,  and  our 
horses  very  tired :  we  are  glad  to  get  a  little  rest  at  brother 
Phelps's.  My  soul  has  been  much  tried  by  Satan,  and  I  am 
pained  for  the  work  of  God.  In  my  six  months'  travel  I  find 
that  six  acceptable  preachers  are  preparing  to  settle  them- 
selves in  the  world,  and  leave  the  itinerancy. 

Thursday,  6.  We  came  to  Winchester;  where  they  have 
built  an  excellent  house,  and  we  have  better  times  than  I 
expected :  here  nothing  would  do  but  I  must  preach,  not- 
withstanding the  lanes  and  streets  of  the  town  were  so  filled 
witli  mire,  owing  to  the  late  rains. 


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Friday,  1.  We  rode  to  Bath,  that  seat  of  sin  :  here  we 
continued  to  rest  ourselves :  my  public  work  was  a  sermon 
on  the  Sabbath.  A  number  of  our  society  from  various  parts 
being  here,  I  have  an  opportunity  of  receiving  and  answer- 
ing many  letters.  I  am  afraid  I  shall  spend  nine  or  ten  days 
here  to  little  purpose ;  I  employ  myself  in  reading  Thomas  a 
Kempis  and  the  Bible:  I  also  have  an  opportunity  of  going 
alone  into  the  silent  grove,  and  of  viewing  the  continent,  and 
examining  my  own  heart.  I  hope  for  some  relief  from  my 
rheumatic  complaint  which  has  so  oppressed  me  for  six 
months  past.  The  people  here  are  so  gay  and  idle,  that  I 
doubt  there  being  much  good  done  among  them.  The  trou- 
bles of  the  east  and  west  meet  me  as  I  pass. 

Maryland. — Sunday,  16.  A  number  of  us  crossed  the 
ferry  at  the  mouth  of  Great  Capon ;  and  made  our  way 
through  great  heat  to  Oldtown"  thirty-two  miles :  we  were 
obliged  to  ride  moderately,  or  the  excessive  warmth  of  the 
weather  might  have  killed  our  horses.  We  had  no  small 
consolation  in  uniting  the  brethren  from  three  districts  in 
conference ;  whose  names  only  were  before  known  to  each 
other.  I  gave  them  one  sermon  on,  "  Pray  for  the  peace  of 
Jerusalem  ;  they  shall  prosper  that  love  thee."  Our  confer- 
ence sat  three  days  successively,  very  closely  employed. 

Thursday,  20.  I  had  some  little  time  to  read,  write,  and 
pray.  My  congregation  was  careless  and  unfeeling.  I  en- 
forced David's  charge  to  Solomon.  Methinks  it  ought  to  be 
with  those  who  have  to  do  with  souls,  as  with  a  tender  feel- 
ing physician  that  attends  a  patient :  does  the  fever  rage,  or 
the  delirium  continue  ?  his  countenance  is  sad  ;  and  when 
labour  and  medicine  fail,  and  the  symptoms  continue  or  grow 
worse,  he  is  then  forced,  as  a  skilful  physician,  to  pronounce 
his  patient  incurable — whilst  a  quack  flatters  and  sees  no 
danger :  such  is  the  difference  between  a  true  minister  of 
Christ  and  a  false  teacher,  when  applied  to  the  souls  of  men. 

Friday,  21.  We  rode  thirty-five  miles  to  F.'s,  and  thirty- 
five  more  the  next  day  to  Fort  Littleton.  Our  roads  are 
rough  ;  I  am  sick  ;  our  fare  is  coarse  ;  but  it  is  enough — I  am 


Jvlv,  IT 93.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


199 


to  die.  I  have  been  under  violent  temptations— Lord,  keep 
me  every  moment !  Our  horses  were  out  of  the  way,  so  ftiat 
we  could  not  pursue  our  journey.  I  was  desirous  to  be  doing- 
good  somewhere  ;  and  was  led  to  speak  to  a  woman  unknown 
to  me,  and  urged  her  to  pray  three  times  a  day  :  she  appeared 
tender ;  and  with  tears  promised  so  to  do — perhaps  this 
labour  may  not  be  lost.  I  have  had  the  happiness  to  hear 
that  my  labour  of  this  kind  at  the  widow  H.'s,  when  there 
last,  was  successful,  and  that  a  woman  was  wrought  upon  to 
give  herself  to  God,  and  found  peace.  We  collected  the  lit- 
tle persecuted  society,  to  whom  I  preached  on,  "  All  that  will 
live  godly  in  Christ  Jesus  shall  suffer  persecution :"  they 
were  poor,  but  very  kind.  Thence  we  proceeded  on  to 
Juniata ;  crossed  to  Mifflin  Town,  and  came  to  H.  M  'a." 

Thursday,  27.  Was  to  me  a  day  of  trial.  We  set  out  late 
towards  Northumberland :  night  coming  on,  we  stopped  at 
Penn's  Creek.  Next  morning  we  went  to  Northumberland  to 
breakfast.  It  has  a  little  chapel  (that  serves  as  a  school- 
house)  belonging  to  the  Methodists.  We  have  a  few  kind, 
respectable  friends,  whose  circumstances  are  comfortable.  I 
gave  them  a  sermon  on  John  xiv,  6  ;  and  in  the  afternoon 
paid  Sunbury  a  visit.  The  people  here  are  almost  all  Dutch. 
I  was  enabled  to  speak  alarming  words  on  Acts  iv,  12. 

July  2.  After  preaching  on  "  the  grace  of  God  appearing 
to  all  men,"  we  wrought  up  the  hills  and  narrows  to  Wyom- 
ing. We  stopped  at  a  poor  house ;  nevertheless,  they  were 
rich  enough  to  sell  us  a  half  bushel  of  oats,  and  had  sense 
enough  to  make  us  pay  well  for  them.    We  reached  Mr. 

P  's  about  eleven  o'clock.    I  found  riding  in  tlie  night 

caused  a  return  of  my  rheumatic  complaint  through  my  breast 
and  shoulders.    But  all  is  well,  the  Lord  is  with  us. 

Thursday,  4.  Being  the  anniversary  of  the  American  inde- 
pendence, there  was  a  great  noise  among  the  sinners :  a  few 
of  us  went  down  to  Shawanee  ;  called  a  few  people  from  their 
work,  and  found  it  good  for  us  to  be  there. 

Sunday,  7.  The  Lord  has  spoken  in  awful  peals  of  thun- 
der.   O,  what  havoc  was  made  here  fifteen  years  ago !  most 


200 


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of  the  inhabitants  were  either  cut  off,  or  driven  away.  The 
people  might  have  clothed  themselves  in  sackcloth  and  ashes 
the  third,  if  in  white  and  glory  the  fourth  of  July.  The  in- 
habitants here  are  very  wicked  ;  but  I  feel  as  if  the  Lord 

would  return.    I  hope  brothers  F  ,  I  ,  and  P  , 

will  be  owned  of  the  Lord.  The  man  at  whose  house  I  was 
to  preach,  made  a  frolic  the  day  before  ;  it  was  said  he  sent 
a  mile  across  the  river  for  one  of  his  neighbours,  taking  him 
from  his  work,  and  telling  him  he  was  about  to  bleed  to 
death  :  this  falsity  was  invented,  I  suppose,  to  incline  the  man 
to  come  :  the  people  would  not  come  to  his  house.  I  had  to 
walk  a  mile  through  burning  heat  to  preach  ;  I  was  severely 
exercised  in  mind,  hardly  knowing  where  to  go  to  get  a  quiet, 
clean  place  to  lie  down. 

Monday,  8.  I  took  the  wilderness,  through  the  mountains, 
up  Lackawanny,  on  the  Twelve-miles  Swamp ;  this  place  is 
famous  for  dirt  and  lofty  hemlock.  We  lodged  in  the  middle 
of  the  swamp  at  S  's  :  and  made  out  better  than  we  ex- 
pected. Next  morning  we  set  out  in  the  rain,  without  break- 
fast :  when  we  came  to  the  ferry,  a  man  took  us  to  his  house, 
and  gave  us  some  bread,  butter,  and  some  buckwheat,  and 
then  charged  us  four  shillings  and  twopence,  although  we 
found  our  own  tea  and  sugar, — the  place  we  should  have 
called  at  was  a  little  farther  on  the  way. 

On  the  5th,  after  very  sultry  weather,  there  came  a  whirl- 
wind, and  a  very  great  storm  ;  in  which  there  fell  hail  of  such 
a  si/.e  that  three  stones  filled  a  pint  measure:  this  went 
through  Hudson,  some  distance  from  us. 

New- Jersey. —  Wednesday,  10.  We  came  to  Broadhead's, 
and  were  totally  unknown  ;  I  was  sick,  and  stopped  for  break- 
fast— they  suspected  we  were  preachers ;  one  asked  brother 
Hill  who  I  was  :  being  informed,  the  mother,  son,  and  daugh- 
ter came  running  with  tears  to  speak  with  me.  1  stopped, 
and  gave  them  a  sermon  at  Marbletown.  I  found  the  work 
of  God  going  on  among  the  Low  Dutch  :— these,  of  all  the 
people  in  America,  we  have  done  the  least  with, 

New- York.' — Saturday,  18.  We  rode  to  Coeyman's  Patent ; 


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201 


we  had  a  good  quarterly  meeting ;  many  newly-converted 
souls  testi6ed  of  the  goodness  of  God,  and  of  the  power  of 
his  grace.  From  thence  to  Albany  with  reluctance ;  and  lec- 
tured, being  Sabbath  evening  :  I  felt  the  wickedness  of  the 
people  :  but  we  had  a  melting  season  among  the  preachers 
in  our  conference.  Great  changes  will  be  made  among  the 
preachers  from  this  conference  :  some  will  be  sent  to  New- 
Jersey;  others  to  Rhode  Island  and  Massachusetts.  The 
people  of  Albany  roll  in  wealth  :  they  have  no  heart  to  invite 
any  of  the  servants  of  God  to  their  houses  ;  unless  a  great 
change  should  take  place,  Ave  shall  have  no  more  conferences 
here.  I  am  tired  down  with  fatigue  and  labour,  under  great 
weakness  of  body.  Yet  I  must  haste  to  Lynn — it  maybe,  to 
meet  trouble.    But  my  days  will  be  short. 

"  My  suff'ring  time  will  soon  be  o'er  ; 
Then  shall  I  sigh  and  weep  no  more : 
My  ransom'd  soul  shall  soar  away, 
To  sing  God's  praise  in  endless  day." 

We  hope  two  hundred  souls  have  been  awakened,  and  as 
many  converted,  in  Albany  district  the  past  year.  Our  friends 
ate  happy  here,  not  being  distressed  with  divisions  in  the 
Church,  nor  by  war  with  the  Indians,  as  they  are  to  the  soul  h- 
ward.  According  to  our  reckoning,  we  make  it  about  four 
hundred  and  forty-seven  miles  from  Oldtown  to  Albany — to 
come  the  mountainous  road  through  the  woods ;  and  to  come  by 
Baltimore,  Philadelphia,  and  New-York,  it  is  six  hundred  miles. 

Saturday,  20.  The  congregation  being  small,  and  the 
preachers  sleepy,  made  it  a  task  for  me  to  preach  at  Rowe's 
chapel. 

Sunday,  21.  There  was  a  breath  of  life  in  the  love-feast. 
I  was  enabled  to  be  close  in  preaching  on  Matt,  xviii,  3  :  "  Ex- 
cept ye  be  converted,  and  become  as  little  children,  ye  cannot 
enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven."  In  my  introduction  I 
showed  that  the  being  converted  here  mentioned,  is  the  same 
word  which  in  other  places  is  translated,  "  bom  again  ;" 
answering  to  the  new  creation  and  resurrection.  In  this  dis- 
course I  took  occasion  to  show  the  miserable  state  of  the 
9* 


202 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [July,  1793. 


unconverted,  both  present  and  future,  and  the  exercises  that 
converted  souls  do,  and  must  pass  through  ; — that  they  must 
be  made  as  little  children,  wholly  dependent  on  God  ;  pos- 
sessing meekness  of  spirit,  and  freed  from  the  guilt,  power, 
and  nature  of  sin.  My  mind  enjoyed  peace  ;  but  I  was 
grieved  at  seeing  a  number  of  young,  unfeeling  sinners,  as- 
sembled at  a  tavern  on  the  Lord's  day. 

Connecticut. — Monday,  22.  We  rode  fifteen  miles  to 
Sharon,  two  miles  from  Litchfield  :  there  is  a  little  move 
among  the  people  of  this  place. 

Tuesday,  23.  Came  to  H  's.  I  rested  in  a  very  soli- 
tary shade,  and  was  comforted  in  my  own  mind.  Perhaps 
the  old  man  is  right  who  says,  not  many  of  this  generation 
will  enter  into  the  promised  land,  but  their  children.  Came 
to  East-Hartford,  and  find  it  still  a  day  of  small  things.  Fall- 
ing under  deep  dejection,  (such  as  I  had  not  known  for 
months,)  I  concluded  to  preach  this  evening  for  my  own 
consolation,  on,  "  Thou  that  teachest  another,  teachest  thou 
not  thyself?"  We  passed  through  and  spent  a  night  at 
Windham — a  pleasant  town.  Thence  through  Canterbury 
and  Plainfield  ;  where  our  preachers  from  Connecticut  have 
visited — but  it  is  a  dry  land — little  rain  in  a  double  sense. 
Thence  I  came  upon  the  State  of  Rhode  Island  ;  stopped  in 
Coventry,  and  found  that  the  two  preachers  stationed  here 
have  been  running  over  almost  the  whole  State,  and  had 
formed  but  few  societies.  When  I  came  to  Providence, 
I.  Martin  told  me,  that  under  the  present  difficulties  they 
had  agreed  not  to  forward  the  preachers  of  the  Methodists 
among  them,  nor  to  befriend  them  ;  I  asked  for  a  tavern, 

and  was  directed  to  General  T  's,  where  I  was  used  well : 

some  were  displeased  at  our  praying ;  and  acted  much  like 
Sodomites.  0,  the  enmity  and  wickedness  that  is  in  the 
human  heart !  In  the  morning  I  was  visited  by  Mr.  Wilson  ; 
I  gave  him  my  mind  freely,  and  left  him  :  the  secret  of  the 
matter  was,  that  many  in  that  congregation  would  have  been 

kind  to  us,  but  meeting  with  Mr.  —  ,  coming  from  Ireland, 

(once  a  travelling  preacher,)  he  settled  with  them  :  their  con- 


Aug.,  1(93.1         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


203 


venience  suited  his  interest.  But  the  people  can  hear  us  in 
the  school-house  ;  and  if  any  are  awakened,  they  will  join  the 
Church  over  the  bridge. 

Massachusetts. — We  had  heavy  work  for  man  and  horse 
to  reach  Easton — our  money  grew  short. 

Sunday,  28.  Reading  the  Scripture  in  the  congregation 
appeared  to  be  a  new  thing  among  the  people.  I  gave  them 
a  lecture  under  the  apple-trees,  on  Isaiah  xxxv,  3-6  ;  and 
trust  my  labour  was  not  lost. 

Monday,  29.  We  rode  upwards  of  thirty  miles,  through 
great  heat,  to  Lynn.  On  our  way  we  fed  our  horses,  and 
bought  a  cake  and  some  cheese  for  ourselves  ;  surely  we  are 
a  spectacle  to  men  and  angels  !  The  last  nine  days  we  have 
lidden  upwards  of  two  hundred  miles,  and  all  things  taken  to- 
gether, I  think  it  worse  than  the  wilderness  :  the  country 
abounds  with  rocks,  hills,  and  stones ;  and  the  heat  is  intense 
— such  as  is  seldom  known  in  these  parts. 

Tuesday,  30.  Preached  in  Lynn,  on  2  Chron.  xv,  2,  the 
prophecy  of  Azariah  by  the  Spirit. 

I.  We  are  to  seek  Jehovah  in  the  means  ;  by  the  direction  of 
the  word  and  Spirit;  through  Christ,  by  repentance  and  faith. 

II.  The  Lord  will  be  with  his  people,  as  a  Father  and  God  ; 
in  his  wisdom,  love,  truth,  and  mercy  ;  at  all  times  and 
places ;  in  every  strait  and  difficulty. 

III.  We  should  be  witli  God  as  his  children,  to  fear,  trust 
in,  worship,  and  serve  him.  * 

IV.  The  breach  of  the  covenant  by  idolatry,  departing  from 
the  love,  fear,  and  confidence  they  have  in  him. 

V.  That  the  Lord  will  withdraw  from  such  souls. 
Atigust.  We  have  only  about  three  hundred  members  in  this 

district,  yet  wc  have  a  call  for  seven  or  eight  preachers ;  al- 
though our  members  are  few,  our  hearers  are  many. 

Sunday,  4.  We  had  preaching  at  six,  twelve,  two,  and 
seven  o'clock,  and  administered  the  Lord's  supper  also.  I 
have  now  finished  my  work  at  Lynn.  Circumstances  have 
occurred  which  have  made  this  conference  more  painful  than 
any  one  conference  beside. 


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ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Aug.,  1793. 


Monday,  5.  We  rode  to  Cambridge.  On  our  way  we 
called  on  Mr.  Adams,  and  found  him  and  his  wife  under 
deep  exercise  of  mind.  We  then  came  to  Walktham,  where 
many  attended.  Things  appear  strange  here  ;  but  several  souls 
are  under  awakenings,  and  there  is  hope  the  Lord  will  work. 
The  harvest  is  great ;  the  living,  faithful  labourers  are  few. 

We  hasted  to  Westham  ;  and  found  a  congregation  at  the 
Baptist  meeting-house.  From  Westham  we  came  two  miles 
to  Needham  :  here  the  majority  of  the  people  prefer  the  Me- 
thodist preachers,  and  want  to  pay  them  by  a  tax  on  the 
people ;  but  brothers  Smith  and  Hill  absolutely  refused  this 
plan, — for  which  I  commend  them.  I  gave  them  a  sermon, 
and  found  some  feeling  souls. 

Wednesday,  7.  We  passed  several  little  towns,  and  came  to 
Milford,  about  nineteen  miles  from  Needham :  here  they  have 
a  good  priest's  house,  and  meeting-house  ;  all  appear  to  be  in 
peace  and  fulness  of  bread.  About  three  hundred  were  soon 
collected,  to  whom  I  preached  on,  "  The  love  of  Christ  con- 
straineth  us,"  &c.  The  man  at  whose  house  we  lodged  was 
very  kind,  and  told  me  his  father  held  society  meeting  in  the 
house  where  we  preached,  and,  except  conditional  persever- 
ance, preached  our  doctrines.  We  rode  through  Minden, 
Douglas,  Thompson,  Woodstock,  up  to  Pomfret :  missing  our 
way,  and  being  very  unwell,  as  I  have  been  for  some  time 
with  an  inflammation  in  my  throat,  we  concluded  to  turn  in  at 
a  tavern,  and  spend  the  night  in  pain :  pain  begets  invention. 
I  now  began  to  think,  What  shall  I  do  ?  I  am  my  own  phy- 
sician. I  sent  for  two  blisters ;  applied  both  to  my  ears ;  and 
then  began  to  march  to  Ashford.  I  turned  in  at  Mr.  W.'s, 
and  met  brothers  T.  and  S.,  and  was  dragged  out  to  baptize  a 
household,  whilst  I  had  a  fever ;  the  weather  was  excessively 
warm,  like  Carolina :  I  had  an  awful  night. 

Connecticut. — Saturday,  10.  Came  to  brother  H.'s :  here 
I  grew  worse:  this  night  I  had  some  discharges,  and  was 
somewhat  relieved.  For  a  few  days  I  have  felt  some  pain  in 
my  left  foot :  it  now  inflamed  more  and  more,  until  I  could 
scarcely  put  it  to  the  floor  ;  I  applied  a  poultice,  and  spent  the 


Aug.,  1793.] 


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205 


Sabbath  in  private ;  and  was  closely  engaged  in  reading  the 
Scriptures. 

Monday,  12.  Our  conference  sat  at  Tolland.  Lame  as  I 
was,  I  went  through  the  business  ;  and  notwithstanding  I  was 
tired  out  with  labour,  heat,  and  pain,  and  company,  I  must 
also  preach ;  so  I  submitted ;  and  endeavoured  to  apply 
2  Tim.  ii,  24-26.  Being  unable  to  ride  on  horseback,  I  drove 
on  in  a  carriage  through  the  rain,  over  the  rocks,  in  the  dark, 
and  came  to  Doctor  Steel's  at  Ellington. 

Yesterday  the  pain  seized  my  right  foot.  I  am  now  not 
able  to  move  from  my  horse  to  a  house ;  an  attack  of  this 
kind  generally  terminates  in  about  eight  days. 

Thursday,  15.  Came  in  brother  S.'s  carriage  to  Hartford. 
From  what  we  can  gather,  we  are  encouraged  to  hope  that 
upwards  of  three  hundred  souls  have  been  awakened,  and 
more  than  two  hundred  converted  to  God,  the  last  year :  if 
this  work  goes  on,  Satan  will  be  labouring  by  all  means, 
and  by  every  instrument.  From  Hartford  I  came  to  Middle- 
town.  I  slept  at  E.  F.'s,  who  was  the  first  separate  minis- 
ter on  the  west  of  Connecticut  River ;  a  man  who  had  la- 
boured, and  written  much :  had  his  learning  been  equal  to 
his  piety  and  good  sense,  the  standing  order  would  have 
trembled  under  his  hand.  Who  would  think  his  Church 
would  vote  him  out,  when  old  and  gray-headed,  because  he 
could  not  subscribe  to  the  new  divinity  ?  He  is  now,  as  lie 
saith,  like  a  broken  vessel;  upwards  of  fourscore  years  of 
age :  his  wife  and  children  favour  us. 

I  came  to  New-Haven  ;  thence  to  Derby  ;  and  had  a  return 
of  the  inflammation  in  my  throat.  Came  to  West-Haven — very 
unwell.  I  had  heavy  work  to  get  to  Reading,  being  lame  in 
both  feet :  I  laid  myself  down  on  the  road-side,  and  felt  like 
Jonah  or  Elijah.    I  took  to  my  bed  at  Reading. 

Monday,  19.  Rode  ten  miles  on  horseback,  and  thirteen  in 
a  carriage,  to  Bedford,  and  rested  a  day  at  dear  widow 
Banks's,  where  I  was  at  home.  0,  how  sweet  is  one  day's 
rest ! 

New-York. —  Wednesday,  21.   When  I  came  near  the 


200 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Sept.,  1793. 


White  Plains,  my  horse  started,  and  threw  me  into  a  mill- 
race  knee  deep  in  water,  my  hands  and  side  in  the  dirt ;  my 
shoulder  was  hurt  by  the  fall.  I  stopped  at  a  house,  shifted 
my  clothes,  and  prayed  with  the  people.  If  any  of  these 
people  are  awakened  by  my  stopping  there,  all  will  be  well. 
This  day  I  made  out  to  ride  thirty-three  miles. 

Thursday,  22.  Came  to  New- York.  The  weather  is  ex- 
tremely warm.  Great  afflictions  prevail  here — fluxes,  fevers, 
influenzas.  It  is  very  sickly  also  in  Philadelphia.  I  have 
found  by  secret  search,  that  I  have  not  preached  sanctification 
as  I  should  have  done :  if  I  am  restored,  this  shall  be  my 
theme  more  pointedly  than  ever,  God  being  my  helper.  I 
have  been  sick  upwards  of  four  months  ;  during  which  time  I 
have  attended  to  my  business,  and  ridden,  I  suppose,  not  less 
than  three  thousand  miles.  I  kept  close  house  in  New- York 
until  Sunday,  25  ;  then  I  attempted  to  preach  on  Romans 
xiii,  10-12.  The  weather  being  warm  and  dry,  I  caught  an 
influenza  which  held  me  four  days — and  this  in  addition  to 
my  fevers,  and  lameness.  The  effects  of  this  weather  were 
sensibly  felt  by  every  member  of  conference,  some  of  whom 
were  so  indisposed  that  they  could  not  attend.  We  made  a 
collection  of  forty  pounds  for  the  relief  of  the  preachers  on 
the  frontiers  of  New-York  and  Connecticut. 

We  have  awful  accounts  from  Philadelphia ;  which  made 
me  feel  too  much  like  a  man,  and  too  little  like  a  Christian. 

Neav-Jersey. — Monday,  September  2.  I  rested.  Tues- 
day, 3.  Dined  at  Elizabethtown  on  my  way  to  Philadelphia. 
Wednesday,  4.  I  reached  Trenton,  and  received  a  letter  from 
brother  M — k — y,  requesting  me  to  come  to  Burlington,  and 
that  it  was  doubtful  whether  it  were  prudent  to  go  to  Phila- 
delphia on  account  of  the  contagion  that  then  prevailed  in 
that  city  ;  I  did  not  reach  Burlington  so  soon  as  was  expected, 
and  the  preachers  went  on  to  Philadelphia.  I  preached  in 
Burlington,  and  the  people  were  very  solemn. 

Pennsylvania. — Friday,  6.  We  rode  to  the  city.  Ah ! 
how  the  ways  mourn  !  how  low-spirited  are  the  people  whilst 
making  their  escape !    I  found  it  awful  indeed.    I  judge  the 


Sept.,  1793.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


207 


people  die  from  fifty  to  one  hundred  in  a  day :  some  of  our 
friends  are  dying,  others  flying. 

Sunday,  8.  I  preached  on  Isa.  1\  iii,  1 :  "  Cry  aloud,  spare 
not,  lift  up  thy  voice  like  a  trumpet,  and  show  my  people 
their  transgressions,  and  the  house  of  Jacob  their  sins."  The 
people  of  this  city  are  alarmed ;  and  well  they  may  be.  I 
went  down  to  Ebenezer,  (a  church  in  the  lower  part  of  the 
city,)  but  my  strength  was  gone :  however,  I  endeavoured  to 
open  and  apply  Micah  vi,  9.  The  streets  are  now  depopula- 
ted, and  the  city  wears  a  gloomy  aspect.  All  night  long  my 
ears  and  heart  were  wounded  with  the  cry  of  fire !  0  !  how 
awful !  And  what  made  it  still  more  serious,  two  young  men 
were  killed  by  the  fall  of  a  wall :  one  of  them  was  a  valuable 
member  of  our  society.  Poor  Philadelphia  !  the  lofty  city, 
He  layeth  it  low !  I  am  very  unwell ;  my  system  is  quite 
weak  ;  I  feel  the  want  of  pure  air.  We  appointed  Tuesday, 
9th,  to  be  observed  as  a  day  of  humiliation:  I  preached  on 
1  Kings  viii,  37-40  ;  and  had  a  large  and  very  serious,  weep- 
ing congregation.  The  preachers  left  the  city  on  Monday  ; 
1  continued  in  order  to  have  the  minutes  of  conference 
printed. 

Wednesday,  1 1 .  We  left  the  city — solemn  as  death  !  The 
people  of  Derby  and  Chester  are  sickly  :  and  they  are  greatly 
alarmed  at  Wilmington.  I  found  a  quiet  retreat  at  friend 
Bond's,  near  New  Castle. 

Maryland. — Came  to  the  quarterly  meeting  at  the  Cross- 
Roads,  where  there  were  crowds  of  people:  I  gave  them  a 
sermon  on,  "  Yea,  in  the  way  of  thy  judgments  have  we 
waited  for  thee."  I  showed,  1.  That  God  sent  pestilence, 
famine,  locusts,  blasting,  mildew,  and  caterpillars ;  and 
that  only  the  Church  and  people  of  God  know,  and  be- 
lieve l  is  judgments.  2.  That  God's  people  waited  for  him 
in  the  way  of  his  judgments  ;  and,  3.  That  they  improved  and 
profited  by  them.  About  one  o'clock  we  set  out  and  rode 
thirty-two  miles  to  Thomas  White's ;  and  spent  one  day  at 
my  former  home. 

Sunday,  15.  We  rode  twenty  miles  to  Milford,  and  had  a 


208 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL         [Sept.,  1793. 


comfortable  love-feast ;  I  preached  to  many  on  2  Chron.  vii, 
13-15.  I  preached  a  laboured  sermon  at  Quantees  quarterly 
meeting :  the  second  day  brother  G.  preached,  on,  "  There  re- 
maineth  therefore  a  rest  to  the  people  of  God."  My  finishing 
stroke  was  to  show  them  the  way  to  ruin — so  we  parted. 

Thursday,  19.  We  rode  to  Accomack ;  and  had  a  comfort- 
able quarterly  meeting  at  Downing's.  I  met  the  located  offi- 
cial members,  and  we  had  sweet  fellowship  together. 

Sunday,  22.  After  a  gracious  love-feast  and  preaching  on 
Jer.  xvii,  9,  10,  I  returned,  weak  in  body,  and  under  de- 
jection of  mind,  to  C  's  chapel,  a  ride  of  twenty  miles : 

this  is  one  of  the  most  awful  places  I  ever  visited,  according 
to  my  feelings  :  I  had  only  courage  to  exhort  for  a  few  min- 
utes. Brother  S  ,  one  of  our  elders,  gave  it  as  his  opin- 
ion that  two  hundred  people  had  died  in  the  bounds  of 
Somerset  circuit  the  last  summer. 

I  searched  the  continent  for  the  Travels  of  Sin  and  True 
Godliness ;  now  they  are  printed  and  bound  together,  and 
sell  well :  our  Americans  are  not  fools ;  no  books  sell  like 
those  on  plain,  practical  subjects ;  as  the  Saints'  Rest,  Bax- 
ter's Call,  Alleine's  Alarm,  and  Thomas  a  Kempis. 

I  came  to  B.  E  's  to  quarterly  meeting:  we  had  a 

solemn  time,  though  our  congregation  was  small. 

Friday,  27.  We  came  to  Easton,  twenty-five  miles;  here 
the  people  pretended  to  be  afraid  of  my  communicating  the 
infection  of  the  yellow  fever,  although  I  had  been  out  of  Phi- 
ladelphia from  the  9th  to  the  20th  instant.  I  gave  them  a 
long  discourse,  and  then  rode  to  Hillsborough  ;  and  thence  to 
Judge  White's.  Sickness  prevails  in  every  house ;  but  there 
are  not  so  many  deaths  as  might  be  expected  from  general 
afflictions. 

Monday,  30.  I  preached  at  quarterly  meeting,  on,  "  The 
Lord  is  good,  a  strong  hold  in  the  day  of  trouble,  and  he 
knoweth  them  that  trust  in  him."  1.  Originally,  indepen- 
dently, communicatively  good.  2.  He  knoweth,  loveth, 
approveth,  and  delivereth  those  that  put  their  trust  in  him. 

Tuesday,  October  1.  I  came  early  to  Churchhill;  and  felt 


Oct.,  1793.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  209 

myself  solemnly  engaged  with  God.  In  the  evening  I  was 
enabled  to  give  a  close,  alarming  exhortation  on  the  present 
alarming  and  awful  times. 

Wednesday,  2.  I  endeavoured  to  enforce,  at  Worten's, 
"Let  us  search  and  try  our  ways,  and  turn  again  to  the 
Lord."    The  wind  being  contrary,  we  rode  twenty  miles  to 

brother  B  's,  through  dust  and  drought.    Brother  B  

conveyed  me  to  North  East  on  Thursday ;  and  Friday  4,  after 

disputing  the  passage  at  the  ferry  with  Mr.  R  ,  I  rode  to 

Cokesbury.  I  had  left  Philadelphia,  and  knew  not  that  a 
pass  was  necessary  until  I  came  to  the  ferry.  Mr.  Barney, 
who  was  a  health-officer,  behaved  like  a  gentleman,  and  gave 
me  a  true  and  honourable  certificate.  I  found  matters  in  a 
poor  state  at  college — £500  in  debt,  and  our  employers 
nearly  £700  in  arrears. 

Thursday,  10.  Came  to  Baltimore ;  passed  the  guard  against 
the  plague  in  Philadelphia,  set  for  prudence,  one  hundred  miles 
off.  O  !  the  plague  of  sin !  Would  to  God  we  were  more 
guarded  against  its  baleful  influence !  I  was  sick,  weary,  and 
feeble ;  yet,  preaching  being  appointed  for  me  in  town,  I 
sounded  the  alarm  on  Jer.  xiii,  10  :  "  Give  glory  to  God  be- 
fore he  cause  darkness,"  &c. 

Friday,  11.  I  hasted  to  Annapolis. 

Saturday,  12.  Attended  a  quarterly  meeting  at  Bignal's,  in 
a  large  tobacco-house,  where  I  enlarged  on  the  weighty  words 
of  our  Lord  :  "  Because  iniquity  shall  abound,  the  love  of  many 
shall  wax  cold." 

Monday,  14.  I  opened  and  applied  the  charge  given  by  Da- 
vid to  Solomon,  at  G.  R  's,  well  adapted  to  the  children 

of  the  Methodists. 

Tuesday,  15.  I  had  a  large  congregation  of  serious  women 
at  Capt.  Weems's.    To.  these  I  preached  on  John  xiv,  1G. 

1.  Christ  is  the  way  to  God  by  precept,  example,  and  power. 

2.  The  truth  ;  the  true  Messiah,  revealing  the  truths  of  God, 
the  standard  and  judge  of  all.  3.  The  life,  by  his  merit  and 
Spirit,  leading  to  the  knowledge  of  God  in  his  perfections  and 
glory. 


210  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Nov.,  1793. 

Wednesday,  16.  I  enlarged  on  "Without  me  ye  can  do 
nothing,"  and  applied  it  to  sinners,  Pharisees,  hypocrites, 
backsliders,  believers,  and  sanctified  souls. 

Saturday,  19.  I  attended  a  quarterly  meeting  at  H  's  ; 

where  I  exhorted  the  people  to  "  Forget  the  things  that  are 
behind,  and  to  reach  towards  the  things  that  are  before" — i.  e., 
establishment  in  grace,  walking  with  God,  resignation  to 
his  will,  meekness,  humility,  perfect  love,  a  glorious  resur- 
rection, and  eternal  glory.  "  Leave  the  things  that  are  be- 
hind"— see  Heb.  vi,  1,  and  v,  12.  "  Leave  these  ;"  so  as  not 
to  rest  in  conviction,  repentance,  faith,  justification,  nor  in 
Church  ordinances,  as  being  the  whole  of  religion,  or  any  part 
thereof,  any  farther  than  as  they  lead  us  to  Christ.  We  had 
some  life  in  the  love-feast,  and  in  public  service ;  but  there  is 
a  dearth  here.    The  circuit  has  suffered  for  want  of  a  preacher. 

Sabbath,  20.  I  came  to  Baltimore,  and  preached  on  Amos 
iii,  6-8. 

Monday,  21.  Our  conference  began.  I  was  well  pleased 
with  the  stations,  and  the  faithful  talk  most  of  our  brethren 
gave  us  of  their  experience  and  exercises.  I  preached  a 
chanty  sermon,  on,  "  Hath  God  cast  away  his  people  ?"  We 
collected  £27,  which  was  augmented  to  £43,  and  applied  it 
to  the  supplying  the  wants  of  the  distressed  preachers. 

Sunday,  27.  I  preached,  and  ordained  elders  and  deacons, 
at  the  Point,  and  at  night,  in  town,  spoke  on  Jeremiah  ix,  1 2-14. 

Monday,  28.  I  left  Baltimore  in  a  cool,  stormy  day.  We 
dined  with  Capt.  White,  on  the  north  branch  of  the  Patuxent, 
and  had  only  time  to  warm,  eat,  drink,  and  pray.  We  hasted 
on  to  S.  Turner's.  We  stopped  on  the  way  at  the  house  of 
some  old,  forgotten  English  people :  I  talked  plainly  to  the 
poor  old  woman,  and  commended  the  family  to  God  in  prayer. 

I  rode  to  my  old  friend  A  's,  and  spent  the  evening  in 

Christian  conversation,  writing,  and  prayer. 

Virginia. —  Tuesday,  29.  Five  of  us  came  to  Stafford  court- 
house.   The  next  day  we  dined  and  prayed  at  F  's,  and 

in  the  evening  reached  Collins's,  an  old  stand  in  Caroline  county. 

Friday,  November  1.  We  breakfasted  at  Ellis's  tavern,  and 


Nov.,  1793.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


211 


next  day  rode  to  Richmond  and  Manchester,  and  came  to 

B  's,  and  preached  to  a  congregation  mostly  women. 

Thence  we  proceeded  to  J.  A  's.    I  was  so  hoarse  it  was 

with  difficulty  I  spoke  to  the  people.  In  six  days  we  have 
ridden  two  hundred  and  twenty  miles. 

Sunday,  3.  We  had  to  ride  ten  miles  to  quarterly  meeting 

at  T  's  chapel.    I  did  not  expect  to  be  heard  ;  but,  to  my 

great  surprise,  I  had  not  spoken  long  before  my  voice  was 
clear.    We  had  a  melting  time  under  brother  John  Easter ; 

was  much  blessed  with  the  local  brethren.    Brothers  W  < 

and  A          were  recommended  to  the  office  of  deacons,  and 

ordained.    Brother  W  with  two  others,  are  appointed  to 

wait  on  me  at  the  ensuing  conference ;  what  for,  will  then  be 
better  known. 

Tuesday,  5.  I  rode  to  brother  B.'s,  and  the  next  day 
preached  at  Charity  Chapel.  It  was  a  day  appointed  by  the 
bishop  and  committee  of  the  Episcopal  Church  to  be  observed 
as  a  day  of  fasting.  I  feel  my  mind  greatly  eased  relative  to 
those  who  have  lately  separated  from  us  and  set  out  as  re- 
formers.   Let  the  Lord  look  to  his  own  Church. 

Thursday,  1.  We  had  a  serious  congregation  at  Cumberland 
quarterly  meeting :  some  appeared  to  be  much  engaged. 

My  Sabbath  day's  journey  was  from  sister  L  's  to  a  new 

chapel  in  Prince  Edward,  twenty  miles,  where,  after  preach- 
ing on  Matt,  xxiv,  12-14,  I  was  led  to  say  a  few  things  for 
myself ;  as  to  my  coming  to  and  staying  in  America, — of  the 
exercise  of  that  power  which  was  given  by  the  first  and  con- 
firmed by  the  last  general  conference.  Many  of  the  people 
thought  me  not  that  monster  I  had  been  represented.  I 
thought  this  the  more  necessary  here,  as  great  pains  had  been 
taken  to  misrepresent  and  injure  me  in  this  congregation  and 
neighbourhood.  So  it  is ;  when  I  am  absent  some  will  say 
what  they  please  of  me.    After  sacrament  we  came,  weary 

and  hungry,  to  brother  R  's,  by  whom  we  were  kindly 

entertained.  My  soul  is  stayed  on  the  Lord,  although  Satan 
will  push  at  me  by  means  of  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  false 
brethren. 


212 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Nov.,  1793. 


Tuesday,  12.  I  preached  at  brother  T  '<?,  on  Nottaway 

River.  The  people  here  have  been  unsettled  by  the  divisions 
which  a  few  persons  have  endeavoured  to  make  in  our  societies. 

Thursday,  14.  Rode  from  brother  N  's  to  Salem,  and, 

after  preaching,  to  brother  M  's,  in  Brunswick,  making  it 

about  thirty  miles,  without  eating  or  drinking. 

Friday,  15.  I  had  a  few  serious  souls  at  Roses  Creek. 
Here  I  received  the  happy  tidings  from  John  Dickins,  that  he, 
with  his  family,  had  been  preserved  during  the  late  contagion 
in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

Sunday,  17.  At  Meritt's  chapel ;  the  weather  was  rainy  and 

uncomfortable,  and  brother  E          very  unwell.    The  next 

day  I  rode  from  brother  F  's,  about  twenty  miles,  to 

preach  a  funeral  discourse  on  the  death  of  our  dear  brother 
Cox.  The  Lord's  power  was  present.  Brother  Bruce 
preached  at  Jones's  chapel  on  "  Sowing  to  the  flesh."    I  was 

happy  in  God  at  brother  P  's,  in  the  evening.    The  next 

day  I  stayed  at  the  chapel  until  it  appeared  as  if  I  was  well 
nigh  chilled  through,  and  to  cure  me  had  to  ride  twelve  miles 
to  brother  Moss's ;  thence  twenty  miles  to  brother  Bonner's, 
where  I  met  several  of  the  brethren  in  great  peace  and  love. 
Came  to  J.  Smith's,  and  had  a  good  season  on  Eph.  iv,  22-25. 
The  seeds  of  discord  have  been  sown  here,  but  they  have  not 
taken  deep  root.  Several  of  the  preachers  came  in,  and  we 
spent  the  evening,  and  were  happy  together. 

Sunday,  24.  Hasted  to  Petersburg.  Came  in  a  little  be- 
fore noon,  and  preached  on  Isa.  lxvi,  4,  5. 

Monday,  25,  and  the  following  days,  were  spent  in  confe- 
rence. The  preachers  were  united,  and  the  Lord  was  with 
us  of  a  truth.  There  were  fifty-five  preachers  present.  I  had 
some  difficulties  respecting  the  stations ;  but  there  was  a  wil- 
lingness among  the  brethren  to  go  where  they  were  appointed, 
and  all  was  well. 

Our  disaffected  brethren  have  had  a  meeting  at  the  Piney 
Grove,  in  Amelia  circuit,  and  appointed  three  men  to  attend 
this  conference.  One  of  these  delegates  appears  to  be  satisfied, 
and  has  received  ordination  amongst  us  since  he  was  delegated 


Dec,  1793.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


'_'  1 3 


by  them ;  the  other  two  appeared,  and  we  gave  them  a  long 
talk.  My  mind  has  been  closely  employed  in  the  business  of 
the  conference,  so  that  I  have  slept  only  about  sixteen  hours 
in  four  nights. 

Friday,  29.  Rode  nineteen  miles,  and  preached  at  Mrs. 
Cox's  barn.  The  next  day  we  reached  brother  Mooring's,  in 
Surry. 

Sunday,  December  1.  My  mind  was  in  a  state  of  heaviness. 
I  endeavoured  to  preach  on  2  Cor.  xiii,  5.  It  is  heavy  times 
here ;  but  the  work  is  the  Lord's,  and  I  wish  to  leave  it  all  to 
him.  In  discoursing  on  the  above  text  I  pursued  nearly  the 
following  method — 

I.  Such  as  profess  to  have  experienced  religion  should  ex- 
amine whether  they  have  not  let  some  fundamental  doctrines 
slip. 

II.  Examine  into  the  nature  and  effects  of  faith — it  is  the 
substance  of  things  hoped  for,  in  a  penitent  state ;  and  the 
evidence  of  things  not  seen,  in  a  justified  state. 

III.  They  should  know  themselves,  whether  they  are  seekers, 
believers,  or  backsliders. 

IV.  They  should  prove  themselves,  to  themselves,  to  their 
ministers,  the  world,  and  the  church  of  God. 

V.  That  if  they  have  heart-religion,  Christ  is  in  them — the 
meek,  loving,  pure  mind  of  Christ. 

Monday,  2.  Came  to  Ellison's  chapel,  in  Sussex. 

Tuesday,  3.  Preached  at  Lane's  chapel :  it  was  low  times 
and  cold  weather.  Thence  to  my  old  friend  Moss's,  near  Sus- 
sex court-house.  I  have  lately  read  Blair's  Sermons,  where 
1  find  some  very  beautiful  things :  they  contain  good  moral 
philosophy ;  and  his  Sermon  on  Gentleness,  is  worthy  the 
taste  of  Queen  Charlotte ;  and  if  money  were  anything  to- 
wards paying  for  knowledge,  I  should  think  that  sermon  worth 
two  hundred  pounds  sterling — which  some  say  the  Queen 
gave  him. 

Thursday,  5.  After  riding  several  miles  out  of  my  way,  I 
came  to  dear  brother  and  sister  Parham's — two  Israelites  in- 
deed.   I  was  unwell,  yet  spent  the  evening  comfortably. 


214 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Dec,  1793. 


Next  day  I  had  a  long  ride  to  Pelham's,  in  Greensville  ;  where 
I  enlarged  to  a  small,  serious  congregation,  on  2  Cor.  xii,  15 — 
the  grand  subjects  of  the  faithful  minister's  care. 

Saturday,  1.  Rode  through  the  rain  to  Woolsey's  barn — 
now  Dromgoole's  chapel. 

Next  day  we  had  but  twenty  miles  to  ride  for  our  Sabbath 
day's  journey.  Came  to  Roanoak,  and  enlarged  on  Eph. 
iii,  7,  8  :  in  which  I  showed,  1st,  How  a  minister  of  Christ 
is  made  ;  2d.  To  whom  he  is  to  preach  ;  3d.  What  he  is  to 
preach — namely,  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ ;  4th.  The 
humble  opinion  the  ministers  of  Christ  entertain  of  themselves. 

North  Carolina. — Monday,  9.  Crossed  Roanoak  in  a 
flat,  with  seven  horses ;  but  we  were  mercifully  preserved. 
Came  to  Warrenton.  I  had  a  violent  pain  in  my  head,  and, 
my  horse's  back  being  injured,  I  stopped  at  Myrick's,  having 
ridden  only  twenty  miles. 

Tuesday,  10.  Came  to  Lewisburg,  and  held  our  confer- 
ence at  Green  Hills,  about  a  mile  from  town.  Great  peace 
and  unity  prevailed  amongst  us.  The  preachers  cheerfully 
signed  an  instrument,  expressing  their  determination  to  sub- 
mit to,  and  abide  by,  what  the  General  Conference  has  done. 

Friday,  13.  Our  conference  rose  :  it  was  agreed  that  the 
next  conference  should  be  held  in  Petersburg  ;  there  the 
preachers  from  North  Carolina,  Greenbriar,  the  Centre  and 
South  Districts  of  Virginia,  may  all  meet,  and  change  pro- 
perly, and  unite  together  for  their  own  and  the  people's 
good. 

Saturday,  14.  Rode  to  father  P.  B  's.    0  that  the  last 

days  of  ancient  Methodists  may  be  the  best !  I  have  a  cold 
and  pains  ;  but  there  is  ease  in  peace,  and  love,  and  com- 
munion with  God. 

Sunday,  15.  We  had  as  many  people  at  father  B  's  as 

we  could  find  room  for :  I  delivered  some  alarming  words 
from  Isaiah  lxv,  2. 

Monday,  16.  Rode  up  the  Neuse  ;  fed  at  Tomkins's,  and 
hasted  to  the  widow  Carson's,  (about  forty  miles.) 

Tuesday,  17.  After  riding  about  twenty-six  miles  toR  's, 


Dec,  1793.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  .  215 

I  gave  them  a  short  discourse,  on,  "  The  foundation  of  God 
standeth  sure  :"  after  eating,  we  had  to  ride  sixteen  or  eigh- 
teen miles  in  the  evening  home  with  brother  M'Gee.  In  the 
morning  we  crossed  Deep  River,  in  a  flat,  not  without  danger  ; 
thence  down  Caraway  Creek  to  Randolph  town  ;  thence  to 
Huwary,  at  Fuller's  Ford.  Here  we  were  assisted  by  some 
young  men  with  a  canoe.  Thank  the  Lord,  both  men  and 
horses  were  preserved  !  The  young  men  sometimes  prayed 
and  sometimes  swore.  After  riding  three  miles,  came  to 
Wood's,  but  Russel's  was  the  place  of  preaching,  where  I 
found  some  who  had  heard  me  in  Virginia  many  years  past ; 
I  laboured  to  speak,  although  my  throat  was  very  sore  : 
the  hearts  of  the  people  appeared  to  be  cold,  as  well  as  their 
bodies. 

Friday,  20.  I  had  to  ride  thirty  miles  by  two  o'clock  ;  but 
was  so  poorly  I  declined  preaching.    Saturday  and  Sunday 

I  spent  at  I.  Randle's :  I  gave  place  to  brothers  M'K  

and  B  .  On  Sunday  evening,  I  gave  the  family  a  dis- 
course at  W.  Randle's. 

Monday,  23.  Crossed  Rocky  River :  this  is  a  bold  stream ; 
it  rises  in  Mecklenburg,  North  Carolina,  and,  after  running 
eighty  or  ninety  miles,  empties  itself  into  Pee  Dee,  a  little 
below  Montgomery. 

Sooth  Carolina. — Came  to  Blakeney's,  on  the  waters  of 
Lynch's  Creek :  here  I  preached  to  about  forty  people ;  it 
being  Christmas  day. 

Thursday,  26.  We  crossed  various  branches  which  empty 
into  Pee  Dee  about  ten  miles  below  Ports  Ferry  :  we  passed 
the  hanging  rock  to  J.  H  's. 

Friday,  27.  We  set  out  at  sunrise :  the  weather  was  cold 
and  frosty  :  we  made  it  twenty-two  miles  to  Camden.  After 
dinner  we  crossed  the  river,  and  came  to  Marshall's. 

Saturday,  28.  We  set  out  very  early,  and  came  through 
pine  and  oak  barrens,  twenty-five  miles  :  about  one  o'clock  I 
was  willing  to  sit  down  and  rest.  I  have  lately  felt  all  the 
grace  I  had  put  to  trial :  through  mercy  I  am  kept  from  sin, 
and  long  to  be  perfect  in  faith  and  patience,  love  and  suffer- 


216  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1794. 

• 

ing  :  I  am  sometimes  tempted  to  wish  to  die  ;  but  I  fear  it  is 
wrong :  I  rather  choose  to  wait  the  Lord's  time. 

Sunday,  29.  With  some  difficulty  I  attended  at  the  meet- 
ing-house near  Marshall's. 

Monday,  30.  We  rode  forty-five  miles  to  brother  Cook's, 
on  Broad  River  ;  and  the  next  day  to  brother  Finch's  :  here 
we  are  to  have  about  thirty  preachers  from  South  Carolina 
and  Georgia.  We  were  straitened  for  room,  having  only 
twelve  feet  square  to  confer,  sleep,  and  for  the  accommodation 

of  those  who  were  sick.    Brother  B  was  attacked  with 

the  dysentery. 

Wednesday,  January  1,  1794.  We  removed  brother  B  

into  a  room  without  fire.  We  hastened  the  business  of  our 
conference  as  fast  as  we  could.  After  sitting  in  a  close  room 
with  a  very  large  fire,  I  retired  into  the  woods  nearly  an 
hour,  and  was  seized  with  a  severe  chill,  an  inveterate  cough 
and  fever,  with  a  sick  stomach  :  with  difficulty  I  sat  in  con- 
ference the  following  day  ;  and  I  could  get  but  little  rest ; 

brother  B  's  moving  so  frequently,  and  the  brethren's 

talking,  disturbed  me.  Sick  as  I  was,  I  had  to  ordain  four 
elders  and  six  deacons  ;  never  did  I  perform  with  such  a 
burden.  I  took  a  powerful  emetic.  I  was  attended  by  Doc- 
tor D  . 

I  found  I  must  go  somewhere  to  get  rest.    The  day  was 

cloudy,  and  threatened  snow  ;  however,  brother  R.  E  and 

myself  made  out  to  get  seven  miles  to  dear  old  brother  A. 
Ycargin's  house.  The  next  day  came  on  a  heavy  fall  of 
snow,  which  continued  two  days,  and  was  from  six  to  ten 
inches  deep.  I  had  to  let  some  blood  :  I  made  use  of  flax- 
seed, and  afterward  of  bctony-tea,  both  which  were  of  use  to 
me.  I  must  be  humbled  before  the  Lord,  and  have  great 
searching  of  heart. 

Monday,  13.  Rode  thirty  miles,  although  the  weather  was 
damp  and  unpromising,  and  came  to  Herbert's  store,  on  Broad 
River.  I  was  so  weak  that  my  exercise  and  clothing  almost 
overcame  me.  The  next  day  we  passed  Connelly's  Ferry  ; 
and  got  nothing  for  ourselves  until  we  had  ridden  forty-six 


Jax.,  1794.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


miles  to  Colonel  Rumph's,  where  we  had  everything,  and 
were  free  and  comfortable. 

Sunday,  19.  Rode  to  the  Cypress,  where  I  coidd  not  rest 
without  giving  them  a  little  sermon. 

Monday,  20.  I  reached  the  city  of  Charleston.  Here  I 
began  to  rest :  my  cold  grew  better.  Doctor  Ramsey  directed 
me  to  the  use  of  laudanum,  nitre,  and  bark,  after  cleansing 
the  stomach  with  an  emetic.  The  kindness  of  sister  Hughes 
was  very  great.  I  have  written  largely  to  the  West,  and  de- 
clined visiting  those  parts  this  year.  The  American  Alps,  the 
deep  snows,  and  great  rains,  swimming  the  creeks  and  rivers, 
riding  in  the  night,  sleeping  on  the  earthen  floors,  more  or 
less  of  which  I  must  experience,  if  I  go  to  the  Western  coun- 
try, might  at  this  time  cost  me  my  life.  I  have  only  been 
able  to  preach  four  times  in  three  weeks. 

I  have  had  sweet  peace  at  times  since  I  have  been  here : 
the  love  of  meetings  ;  (especially  those  for  prayer ;)  the  in- 
crease of  hearers  ;  the  attention  of  the  people  ;  my  own  better 
feelings ;  and  the  increasing  hope  of  good  that  prevails 
among  the  preachers,  lead  me  to  think  that  "  the  needy  shall 
not  always  be  forgotten,  nor  the  expectation  of  the  poor  fail." 
1  have  been  pleased  in  reading  Prince's  Christian  History,  of 
about  four  hundred  pages :  it  was  a  cordial  to  my  soul  in  the 
time  of  my  affliction.  It  is  Methodism  in  all  its  parts.  I 
have  a  great  desire  to  reprint  an  abridgment  of  it,  to  show 
the  apostate  children  what  (heir  fathers  were.  I  have  read 
Gordon's  History  of  the  American  Revolution  :  here  we  view 
the  suffering  straits  of  the  American  army ;  and,  what  is 
greatly  interesting,  General  Washington's  taking  his  farewell 
of  his  officers — what  an  affecting  scene  !  I  could  not  but  feel 
through  the  whole  of  the  description.  What,  then,  was  the 
sight !  0  how  minds  are  made  great  with  affliction  and  suffer- 
ing !  Poor  Beverly  Allen,  who  has  been  going  from  bad  to 
worse  these  seven  or  eight  years — speaking  against  mc  to 
preachers  and  people,  and  writing  to  Mr.  Wesley  and  Doctor 
Coke,  and  being  thereby  the  source  of  most  of  the  mischief 
that  has  followed  ;  and  lastly,  having  been  agent  for  Mr.  , 

Vol.  II.— 10 


218 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Feb.,  1194. 


is  now  secured  in  jail  for  shooting  Major  Forsyth  through  the 
head.     The  Major  was  marshal   for  the  federal  court  in 

Georgia,  and  was  about  to  serve  a  writ  upon  B.  A  :  the 

master-piece  of  all  is,  a  petition  is  prepared,  declaring  him  to 
have  shown  marks  of  insanity  previous  to  his  tilling  the  Major ! 
The  poor  Methodists  also  must  unjustly  be  put  to  the  rack 
on  his  account,  although  he  has  been  expelled  from  amongst 
us  these  two  years.  I  have  had  my  opinion  of  him  these 
nine  years  ;  and  gave  Doctor  C  my  thoughts  of  him  be- 
fore his  ordination :  I  pity,  I  pray  for  him — that,  if  his  life  be 
given  up  to  justice,  his  soul  may  yet  be  saved. 

Friday,  Feb.  14.  I  enjoy  peace  of  mind,  and  am  closely 
employed  in  reading  my  Bible  ;  and  a  collection  of  sermons  de- 
livered at  Berry-street,  1*733,  by  Watts,  Guyse,  Jennings,  Neal, 
Hubbard,  and  Price,  containing  upwards  of  five  hundred  pages. 

Sunday,  16.  I  preached  in  the  morning  on  Phil,  ii,  30,  and 
in  the  evening  again.  I  was  tried  in  spirit :  I  had  not  more 
than  one  hundred  white  people  to  hear  me.  Brother  S.  and 
myself  let  loose ;  and  according  to  custom  they  fled :  they 
cannot,  they  will  not,  endure  sound  doctrine. 

Monday,  11.  I  was  employed  in  reading  and  visiting. 

Tuesday,  18.  I  feel  restless  to  move  on,  and  my  wish  is  to 
die  in  the  field.  I  have  had  a  time  of  deep  dejection  of 
spirits,  affliction  of  body,  loss  of  sleep,  and  trouble  of  soul. 
I  have,  in  the  course  of  my  stay  here,  had  frequent  visits 
from  the  blacks ;  among  whom  I  find  some  gracious  souls. 

Wednesday,  19.  I  find  this  to  be  a  barren  place  ;  I  long 
to  go  to  my  work.  When  gloomy  melancholy  comes  on,  I 
find  it  best  to  think  as  little  as  may  be  about  distressing  sub- 
jects. Thursday,  Friday,  and  Sahirday,  I  visited  sundry 
families.  It  seems  as  if  a  strange  providence  holds  me  here : 
I  am  sometimes  afraid  to  eat,  drink,  or  even  to  talk,  unless  it 
be  of  God  and  religion.  I  shall  certainly  feel  a  paradise 
when  I  go  hence.  I  am  not  unemployed  ;  yet  I  might  be 
much  better  occupied  for  God  and  souls. 

Tuesday,  25.  Last  evening  we  had  a  love-feast ;  and  the 
poor  Africans  spoke  livingly  of  the  goodness  of  God.    I  am 


Mar.,  1794.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


219 


now  preparing  to  leave  this  city,  where  I  have  experienced 
consolation,  afflictions,  tribulations,  and  labour. 

Friday,  28.  I  now  leave  Charleston,  the  seat  of  Satan, 
dissipation,  and  folly :  ten  months  hereafter,  with  the  permis- 
sion of  divine  Providence,  I  expect  to  see  it  again.  My  horse 
proving  unruly,  and  unwilling  to  take  the  boat  to  Hadrill's 
point,  we  changed  our  course,  crossed  at  demon's  ferry,  and 
then  came  the  road  to  Lenoir's  ferry :  we  passed  the  planta- 
tions of  the  great,  lying  east  and  west ;  their  rice  fields  under 

water.    We  got  no  refreshment  until  we  came  to  S  's, 

thirty-four  miles,  except  the  little  our  horses  got  at  the  ferry. 

Saturday,  March  1.  We  set  out  in  great  spirits,  having 
sixteen  miles  to  the  ferry  ;  where  we  were  detained  six  hours. 
We  hoped  to  have  been  in  Georgetown  by  sunset.  Now  we 
thought  of  travelling  until  midnight :  we  came  to  Cedar 
Creek,  which  we  found  in  a  bad  state.  We  stayed  at  the 
ferry  ;  being  persuaded  we  could  not  reach  Georgetown  time 
enough  for  meeting. 

Sabbath  morning.  We  directed  our  course  westward,  and 

came  along,  drooping  and  solitary,  to  M  's  ferry,  about 

twenty-five  miles.  We  rode  up  to  a  large  house,  and  were 
asked  in  to  drink  brandy :  three  men  and  two  women  ap- 
peared to  be  set  in  to  drink  the  pure  stuff,  glass  after  glass; 
we  were  glad  to  retreat.    There  came  on  a  storm  of  rain, 

with  thunder  and  lightning.    I  was  unwilling  to  go  to  , 

expecting  the  same  kind  of  Sabbath  devotion  there.  We 
travelled  a  most  dreadful  road  to  Black  River,  and  had  plenty 
of  water  above  and  below  us.    After  riding  fifteen  miles,  we 

came  to  the  widow  B  's,  where  we  got  a  shelter ;  still  we 

had  our  fears  :  there  is  such  a  q\iantity  of  water  in  the  swamp 
and  low  lands,  that  our  feet  are  kept  very  uncomfortable,  and 
some  places  arc  impassable.  Isaac  Smith,  in  all  these  diffi- 
culties and  trials  of  swamps,  colds,  rains,  and  starvation,  was 
my  faithful  companion. 

After  riding  twenty-seven  miles  without  eating,  how  good 
were  the  potatoes  and  fried  gammon !  We  then  had  only  ten 
miles  to  brother  Rembert's ;  where  we  arrived  about  seven 


220 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Mar.,  1794. 


o'clock.  I  confess  my  soul  and  body  have  been  sorely  tried. 
What  blanks  are  in  this  country — and  how  much  worse  are 
rice  plantations  !  If  a  man-of-war  is  "  a  floating  hell,"  these 
are  standing  ones :  wicked  masters,  overseers,  and  negroes — 
cursing,  drinking — no  Sabbaths ;  no  sermons.  But  hush ! 
perhaps  my  journal  will  never  see  the  light ;  and  if  it  does, 
matters  may  mend  before  that  time  ;  and  it  is  probable  I  shall 
be  beyond  their  envy  or  good  will.  0  wretched  priests,  thus 
to  lead  the  people  on  in  blindness ! 

Thursday,  6.  We  had  family  meeting  at  brother  R  's : 

1  gave  them  a  long  discourse  on  the  last  words  of  David, 

2  Sam.  xxiii,  5 :  "  Although  my  house  be  not  so  with  God, 
yet  he  hath  made  with  me  an  everlasting  covenant,  ordered  in 
all  things  and  .sure,  for  this  is  all  my  salvation  and  all  my  de- 
sire, (pleasure  or  delight,)  although  he  make  it  not  to  grow." 
1.  I  considered  how  we  enter  into  covenant  with  God.  2.  On 
man's  part  it  is  ordered  to  repent,  believe,  love,  obey,  suffer, 
&c.,)  and  in  a  word,  to  attend  to  every  duty  God  hath  enjoined. 
3.  That  this  is  all  the  delight  of  a  gracious  soul,  that  his  eternal 
all  is  rested  upon  the  covenant  relations  he  bears  to  the  Lord. 
David  appears,  1.  To  have  been  looking  to  Solomon's  peacea- 
ble kingdom.  2.  To  Christ  who  was  to  come  to  David's  seed. 
3.  Parents  and  gracious  souls,  may  say,  the  commonwealth, 
the  Church,  their  families,  <fec,  are  not  as  they  could  wish ; 
yet  God  is  their  portion.  What  distresses  were  experienced 
in  the  families  of  ancient  saints  !  See  the  history  of  the  fami- 
lies of  Adam,  Noah,  Abraham,  Isaac,  Jacob,  Eli,  Samuel, 
David,  and  others  of  whom  we  read.  My  time  is  short — this 
may  be  my  last  to  speak,  or  theirs  to  hear :  we  are  not  only 
creatures  of  a  year,  but  of  a  day,  an  hour. 

Sunday,  9.  I  preached  on  Romans  v,  20,  21. 

Monday,  10.  We  held  a  little  conference  to  provide  for 
Charleston,  Georgetown,  Edisto,  and  Santec  :  some  are  afraid 
that  if  we  retain  none  among  us  who  trade  in  slaves,  the 
preachers  will  not  be  supported,  but  my  fear  is  that  we  shall 
not  be  able  to  supply  this  State  with  preachers. 

Tuesday,  11.  I  had  to  preach  to  the  respectable  people  of 


Mah.,  1794.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


221 


Camden — where  I  suppose  I  had  two  hundred  hearers  in  the 
court-house.  It  was  heavy  woi-k,  my  body  and  faith  being 
both  Aveak — some  trifled  ;  some  felt ;  and  perhaps  more, 
understood. 

Wednesday,  12.  We  missed  our  way  to  the  chapel  called 
Grannies  Quarter ;  and  made  it  thirty  miles  to  Horton's,  at 
the  Hanging  Rock,  on  a  very  warm  day,  without  any  refresh- 
ment, except  a  little  biscuit. 

Thursday,  13.  Rode  thirty  miles  more  to  the  Waxsaws, 
after  preaching  at  the  chapel  in  the  woods.  I  went  to  bro- 
ther T  's,  where  we  had  a  room  to  ourselves ;  and  our 

horses  were  richly  fed :  this  was  a  great  favour — such  as  we 
do  not  generally  receive  in  this  country. 

Saturday,  15.  We  set  out  under  discouraging  prospects; 
having  had  a  heavy  rain  the  night  before.  We  came  to  Shep- 
herds ;  where  we  had  to  swim  our  horses  alongside  a  canoe, 
and  had  they  not  struggled  powerfully,  and  freed  themselves 
from  among  the  bushes  and  grape-vines,  they  had  certainly 
drowned :  we  returned  across  the  stream,  and  then  brought 
them  down  the  creek,  to  a  place  where  there  were  no  trees  in 
the  way,  and  we  got  sflfe  across. 

Sunday,  16.  The  waters  being  still  high,  our  passage  diffi- 
cult, and  having  no  inclination  to  travel  on  the  Sabbath,  we 

continued  at  S  's,  where  we  stayed  the  night  before. 

Notice  was  circulated  through  the  neighbourhood,  and  by 
eleven  o'clock  there  was  collected  a  congregation  of  sixty  or 
seventy  people. 

Monday,  17.  We  set  out,  and  passed  Charlotte,  in  Meck- 
lenburg ;  here  I  learned  that  meeting  was  appointed  for  me 

at  A  's.    I  came  to  L.  Hill's,  where  I  met  with  N.  W.  and 

D.  A.,  having  ridden  thirty-four  miles.  By  the  time  I  reach 
Justice  White's  I  shall  make  out  to  have  ridden  about  one  thou- 
sand miles  in  three  months  ;  and  to  have  stopped  six  weeks 

of  the  time  with  great  reluctance.    I  preached  at  on 

2  Tim.  ii,  12-17.  I  gave,  1.  The  marks  of  a  Christian;  one 
of  which  is,  that  he  suffers  persecution.  2.  The  marks  of 
heretics  and  schismatics ;  the  former  oppose  the  established 


222 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Mar.,  1794. 


doctrines  of  the  Gospel — the  latter  will  divide  Christians. 

3.  That  Ave  must  continue  in  what  we  have  been  taught 
by  the  word,  the  Spirit,  and  faithful  ministers  of  Christ. 

4.  That  the  Holy  Scriptures  are  the  standard  sufficient  for 
ministers  and  people,  to  furnish  them  to  every  good  work. 

Thursday,  20.  I  directed  my  course,  in  company  with  my 
faithful  fellow-labourer,  Tobias  Gibson,  up  the  Catabaw,  set- 
tled mostly  by  the  Dutch.  A  barren  spot  for  religion.  Having 
ridden  in  pain  twenty-four  miles  we  came,  weary  and  hungry, 

to  0  's  tavern ;  and  were  glad  to  take  what  came  to  hand. 

Four  miles  forward  we  came  to  Howes  Ford,  upon  Catabaw 
River,  where  we  could  neither  get  a  canoe  nor  guide.  We 
entered  the  water  in  an  improper  place,  and  were  soon  among 
the  rocks  and  in  the  whirlpools :  my  head  swam,  and  my 
horse  was  affrighted :  the  water  was  to  my  knees,  and  it  was 
with  difficulty  we  retreated  to  the  same  shore.  We  then 
called  to  a  man  on  the  other  side,  who  came  and  pilotted  us 
across,  for  which  I  paid  him  well.  My  horse  being  afraid  to 
take  the  water  a  second  time,  brother  Gibson  crossed,  and 
sent  'me  his ;  and  our  guide  took  mine  across.  We  went 
on,  but  our  troubles  were  not  at  an  erM :  night  came  on,  and 
and  it  was  very  dark.  It  rained  heavily,  with  powerful  light- 
ning and  thunder.  We  could  not  find  the  path  that  turned 
out  to  Connell's.  In  this  situation  we  continued  until  mid- 
night or  past ;  at  last  we  found  a  path  which  we  followed  till 
we  came  to  dear  old  father  Harper's  plantation ;  we  made 
for  the  house,  and  called ;  he  answered,  but  wondered  who  it 
could  be  ;  he  inquired  whence  we  came  ;  I  told  him  we  would 
tell  that  when  we  came  in,  for  it  was  raining  so  powerfully 
we  had  not  much  time  to  talk  :  when  I  came  dripping  into  the 
house,  he  cried,  "  God  bless  your  soul,  is  it  brother  Asbury  ? 
wife,  get  up."  Having  had  my  feet  and  legs  wet  for  six  or 
seven  hours,  causes  me  to  feel  very  stiff. 

Friday,  2 1 .  We  set  forward  towards  brother  White's,  and 
took  our  time  to  ride  twelve  miles. 

Saturday,  22.  My  soul  enjoys  peace  ;  but  0  !  for  more  of 
God  !    This  campaign  has  made  me  "  groan,  being  burdened." 


Mar.,  1794.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


'223 


Bad  news  on  my  coming  to  the  mountains  ;  neither  preachers 
nor  elders  have  visited  Swanino  since  last  October;  poor 
people — poor  preachers  that  are  not  more  stable:  but  all 
flesh  is  grass,  and  I  am  grass.  I  have  provided  brothers  G. 
and  L.  for  the  westward.  I  wrote  a  plan  for  stationing ;  and 
desired  the  dear  preachers  to  be  as  I  am  in  the  work :  I  have 
no  interest,  no  passions,  in  their  appointments ;  my  only  aim 
is  to  care  and  provide  for  the  flock  of  Christ.  I  see  I  must 
not  leave  Charleston  till  the  third  or  fourth  week  in  March ; 
then  the  rains  will  subside,  and  the  creeks  and  rivers  be  pas- 
sable ;  and  so  shall  we  escape  the  danger  of  drowning  our- 
selves and  horses.  I  feel  that  my  sufferings  have  been  good 
preaching  to  me — especially  in  crossing  the  waters.  I  am 
solemnly  moved  in  not  visiting  my  Holstein  and  Kentucky 
brethren.  It  may  be  their  interest  to  desire  the  preservation 
of  my  life :  while  living  I  may  supply  them  with  preachers,  and 
with  men  and  money.  I  feel  resolved  to  be  wholly  the 
Lord's,  weak  as  I  am ;  I  have  done  nothing,  I  am  nothing, 
only  for  Christ !  or  I  had  long  since  been  cut  off  as  an  unfaith- 
ful servant;  Christ  is  all,  and  in  all  I  do,  or  it  had  not  been 
done ;  or  when  done,  had  by  no  means  been  acceptable. 

North  Caholina. — Sunday,  23.  My  subject  at  Justice 
White's  was  Heb.  ii,  1-3  ;  I  had  more  people  than  I  expected. 

I  have  visited  this  place  once  a  year ;  but  Mr.  K  and 

L.  have  both  failed  coming  at  all ;  I  pity  them  and  the  people. 
If  I  could  think  myself  of  any  account,  I  might  say,  with  Mr. 
Wesley,  "  If  it  be  so  while  I  am  alive,  what  will  it  be  after 
my  death  ?"  I  have  written  several  letters  to  the  westward 
to  supply  my  lack  of  service.  I  am  mightily  wrought  upon 
for  New-Hampshire,  Province  of  Maine,  Vermont,  and 
Lower  Canada. 

Saturday,  29.  Started  for  Nolenten's,  and  came  part  of  the 
way  alone.  After  winding  about  the  creeks  and  hills,  came 
to  a  cabin:  here  I  found  a  few  serious  people,  to  whom  I 
preached  on  1  Tim.  iv,  8  ;  after  which  I  spent  the  evening  with 
dear  brother  S.  in  his  clean  cabin. 

Sunday,  30.  After  riding  about  five  miles,  I  came  to  a 


224 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Apr.,  1*794. 


meeting-house :  it  was  a  cabin  half-floored,  "with  long  open 
windows  between  the  logs. 

Monday,  31.  I  had  the  house  filled  with  serious  people, 
and  found  much  to  say  on  Ruth  i,  16,  1*7 ,  whatever  weight 
there  might  have  been  in  the  discourse,  I  was  happy  in  my 
own  soul. 

Tuesday,  April  1.  I  was  very  happy  whilst  riding  alone 
down  to  Doctor  Brown's  :  on  my  way,  I  saw  Babel,  the  Bap- 
tist-Methodist house,  about  which  there  has  been  so  much 
quarrelling :  it  is  made  of  logs,  and  is  no  great  matter.  I  am 
astonished  at  professors,  old  professors,  neglecting  family  and 
private  prayer ;  Lord,  help  !  for  there  is  but  little  genuine  re- 
ligion in  the  world. 

Wednesday,  2.  Came  to  E.'s  meeting-house,  near  Hunting 
Creek,  in  Surry  county :  here  I  met  with  some  old  disciples 
from  Maryland,  Delaware,  and  Virginia,  who  have  known  me 
these  twenty-two  years.  Our  meeting  was  attended  with 
muhial  pleasure  :  my  soul  enjoyed  much  sweetness  with  these 
people.  There  has  been  some  trouble  amongst  them  ;  but  I 
know  God  is  with  them.  I  was  secretly  led  to  treat  on  sanc- 
tification  at  W.'s  ;  and  if  the  Lord  will  help  me,  I  am  resolved 
to  speak  more  on  this  blessed  doctrine.  After  preaching,  I 
came  to  Cokesbury  school,  at  Hardy  Jones :  it  is  twenty  feet 
square,  two  stories  high,  well  set  out  with  doors  and  windows  ; 
this  house  is  not  too  large,  as  some  others  are :  it  stands  on  a 
beautiful  eminence,  and  overlooks  the  Lowlands,  and  river 
Yadkin. 

Monday,  1.  I  set  out  alone,  and  missing  my  way,  got  en- 
tangled in  the  bush  and  thickets,  and  made  it  about  twenty 
miles  :  although  it  was  a  trial  to  me,  it  might  be  intended  to 
prevent  the  poor  people  from  being  disappointed  who  came  late. 

1  had  the  pleasure  of  dining  and  drinking  tea  with  a  Mora- 
vian minister,  who  has  the  charge  of  the  congregation  at  Muddy 
Creek.    Next  day  I  called  at  Salem. 

I  rode  twenty  miles  to  Levin  Ward's,  on  the  head  waters 
of  Dan  River,  Stokes  county.  I  was  greatly  fatigued ;  but 
having  no  appointment  to  preach,  after  a  good  night's  rest, 


Apr.,  1794.J 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


225 


I  was  much  refreshed.  Having  little  opportunity  of  being 
alone,  I  wandered  into  the  field  for  solitude.  I  met  with  P.  S., 
from  old  Lvnn,  a  child  of  Providence :  after  passing  solemn 
scenes  at  sea,  he  was  taken  and  left  in  the  Lowlands  of  North 
Carolina.  First  a  Christian,  then  a  preacher.  He  was  sta- 
tioned in  Guilford  ;  but  offered  himself  a  volunteer  for  Swa- 
nino ;  which  station  hath  been  vacant  nearly  six  months  ;  one 
of  the  preachers  appointed  there  being  sick,  and  the  other 
married ;  and  now  because  I  have  power  to  send  a  preacher 
to  these  poor  people,  some  are  pleased  to  account  me  and 
call  me  a  despot. 

Friday,  11.  I  went  to  Simpson's  house.  I  was  greatly 
chilled,  and  unable  to  preach.  The  house  was  very  open,  but 
brother  B.  sounded  away  bravely.  It  appeared  as  if  my  fin- 
gers were  nearly  frozen.  I  went  home  with  brother  C.  and 
had  everything  comfortable. 

Saturday,  12.  I  had  a  small  congregation,  but  a  good  time 
with  some  feeling  souls  at  brother  J.'s,  on  my  choice  subject, 
Heb.  iii,  12.  We  have  rumours  of  war  with  England.  But 
the  Lord  reigneth,  although  the  earth  be  so  much  disquieted. 
I  spent  the  evening  with  brothers  B.  and  S. 

I  was  in  the  clouds  on  Sunday,  13  ;  my  body  was  full  of 
pain,  and  my  mind  much  dejected.  I  came  through  Rocking- 
ham, and  saw  my  old  friends :  lodged  with  father  Low,  who 
is  seventy-six  years  of  age,  and  happy  in  God. 

Monday,  14.  Brother  Sands  set  out  for  Swanino.  Had  I 
ventured  to  Kentucky,  how  should  I  have  stood  the  wilder- 
ness, with  four  or  five  days  of  such  cold,  rainy  weather  as  we 
have  lately  had  ?  I  was  thankful  to  God  that  I  changed  my 
course.  I  feel  wholly  devoted  to  God,  and  greatly  wish  to  see 
more  (rait  of  my  labour. 

Friday,  18.  I  rose  early ;  crossed  Pudding  Creek,  Banister, 

and  Bearskin,  and  came  to  brother  C  's,  five  miles  from 

Pittsylvania  court-house.  I  met  with  my  old  friends  Jones 
and  W.  D.,  and  had  a  comfortable  meeting. 

Virginia. — Monday,  21.  Rode  with  brothers  B.  and  M. 
(who  met  me  the  day  before)  to  brother  Landrum's,  and  gave 
10* 


226 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.          [Apr.,  1T94. 


them  a  short  sermon.  I  was  happy  in  the  company  of  the 
dear  preachers.  0  !  my  soul,  trust  thou  in  the  Lord  !  0  for 
Zion's  glory  !  Come,  Lord  Jesus,  come  quickly ! 

Wednesday,-  23.  I  attended  the  funeral  of  R.  0 ;  who,  I 
learn,  died  of  a  consumption,  in  the  fear  and  love  of  God.  I 
was  too  systematical  for  my  congregation,  who  were  wild  and 
unawakened.  I  baptized  a  few  children,  then  crossed  Symes 
Ferry,  and  came  twelve  miles  to  brother  Spencer's,  in  Char- 
lotte county :  here  report  saith,  that  there  is  sad  work  with 
those  who  have  left  us,  and  who  are  now  exerting  themselves 
to  form  as  strong  a  party  as  they  can ;  the  principal  of  these 
are  J.  O'K.,  E.  A.,  J.  K.,  and  J.  C.  I  learn  by  a  letter  from 
J.  Ellis,  that  matters  are  not  desperate  :  this  letter,  with  some 
others,  I  shall  reserve  for  a  future  day.  If  the  real  cause  of 
this  division  was  known,  I  think  it  would  appear,  that  one 
wanted  to  be  immovably  fixed  in  a  district ;  another  wanted 
money ;  a  third  wanted  ordination ;  a  fourth  wanted  liberty 
to  do  as  he  pleased  about  slaves,  and  not  to  be  called  to  an 
account,  &c. 

Thursday,  Friday,  and  Saturday,  I  spent  in  private  appli- 
cation. 

Sunday,  21.  I  had  a  crowded  congregation  at  Reeve's 
chapel ;  those  who  had  just  left  us  appeared  very  shy.  I  was 
very  unwell,  and  said  but  little  on  the  division  :  I  told  them 
how  long  I  had  been  in  the  country,  how  I  had  laboured,  and 
what  I  had  gained.  After  all  we  shall  see  what  the  end  of 
all  this  work  will  be. 

Wednesday,  30.  I  preached  (though  not  of  choice)  at  Char- 
lotte court-house :  here  Mr.  met  me,  and  charged  me 

with  saying  at   "  that  they  would  take  off  my  head."  I 

told  him  I  did  not  remember  to  have  said  so,  but  if  I  did, 
I  must  certainly  have  meant  the  Episcopacy  of  our  Church  ; 
he  answered,  that  in  that  I  was  very  right,  he  strove  to  do 
it  with  all  his  might;  yet  he  talked  of  union,  and  hoped  I 
would  do  my  part — At  what  ?  Why,  to  destroy  ;  first,  the 
Episcopacy,  and  then  the  conference — or  at  least  its  power  and 
authority.    I  went  to  Major  R.'s,  and  was  treated  very  kindly. 


Mat,  1704.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


227 


Saturday,  May  3.  I  had  a  serious  congregation,  and  a  good 

meeting  at  C  's.    Came  to  Pride's  church,  in  Amelia 

county,  where  there  are  no  very  great  prospects.  I  was  at 
the  kind  widow  C.'s,  on  Appomattox  River,  thence  to  bro- 
ther H.'s  ;  where  I  was  attended  by  brothers  F  ,  M  , 

B  ,  T  ,  and  W  .    I  learn  I  am  set  forth  as  an 

enemy  to  the  country  ;  that  I  am  laying  up  money  to  carry 
away  to  England,  or  elsewhere  ;  but  in  the  midst  of  all,  I 
bless  God  for  peace  in  my  spirit.  Let  them  curse,  but  God 
will  bless,  and  his  faithful  preachers  will  love  and  pity  me. 

Friday,  9.  After  preaching  at  S  's  chapel  on  Peter's 

denial,  I  rode  to  brother  G  's,  twenty  miles  ;  my  mind 

was  heavy,  my  body  weak  and  feeble.  O  that  I  had  in  the 
wilderness  a  lodging  place  !  I  ordained  brother  G.  and  bap- 
tized his  son  Philip  ;  a  dreadful  rumour  followed  me  from 
last  Sabbath.  I  felt  humble  and  thankful  that  I  could  suffer ; 
1  think  more  of  religion  now  than  ever.  O,  my  God,  I  am 
thine  ;  glory  to  Christ  forever  ! 

Monday,  12.  Rode  forty  miles  to  S  's,  and  preached 

the  next  day  ;  but  it  seemed  as  if  my  discourse  had  almost 
as  well  have  been  Greek,  such  spiritual  death  prevails  among 
the  people.  After  preaching,  brothers  H.  B.  W.  and  myself 
rode  to  brother  W  's,  in  Campbell  county. 

I  preached  in  the  court-house  at  New-London,  where  I  had 
a  large,  serious,  and  polite  congregation  ;  I  dined  with  my 
old  friend,  countryman,  and  neighbour,  Joseph  Perkins,  who 
is  superintendent  of  the  armoury.  In  this  county  (Bedford) 
there  are  thirteen  societies  of  Methodists,  three  or  four  of 
which  are  large  ;  there  are  about  ten  local  preachers,  who 
labour  for  Christ  and  souls. 

Saturday  and  Sunday,  17  and  18.  Was  quarterly  meeting 
at  Wilson's  chapel.    The  first  day  I  gave  place  to  brother 

B  .     Sabbath  day,  after  sacrament  and  love-feast,  I 

preached  on  Rev.  iii,  20.  The  people  within  were  serious, 
those  without  had  their  own  talk  and  entertainment.  I  kept 
the  Sabbath  in  the  crowd  in  the  best  manner  I  could.  I 
came  off  under  rain  and  clouds  to  a  town  called  Liberty,  and 


228 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1794. 


preached  in  the  court-house,  but  did  not  find  freedom  to  eat 
bread  or  drink  water  in  that  place.  Why  should  I  receive 
aught  from  those  who  renounce  my  service?  I  went  to 
friend  S  's,  who  has  a  godly  wife,  and  was  kindly  enter- 
tained ;  I  wish  to  serve  the  Methodists  who  can  hear  with 
candour,  but  I  am  not  fond  of  preaching  at  places  where 
the  prejudices  of  the  people  run  so  high. 

Tuesday,  20.  I  had  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  hearers 
at  Edson's,  and  had  liberty  in  preaching  ;  brothers  M.  and  B. 
assisted  me.  My  soul  is  in  peace  and  perfect  love.  I  pur- 
pose to  preach  present  conviction,  conversion,  and  sanctifica- 
tion.  I  might  do  many  things  better  than  I  do ;  but  this  I 
discover  not  till  afterward.  Christ  is  all  to  my  soul ;  if  my 
labours  are  not  blessed,  yet  my  soul  shall  rejoice  in  the  Lord 
and  be  blessed. 

Thursday,  22.  Came  to  M  ,  on  the  Mill-Creek,  in  Bo- 
tetourt's county,  where  I  was  met  by  brother  I.  E.,  who  as- 
sisted me  next  day  in  preparing  the  Minutes. 

Saturday,  24.  Preached  at  Fincastle,  and  had  a  very  few 
to  hear,  except  our  own  people  ;  came  the  same  evening  to 

E.  M  's,  where  we  were  to  hold  our  conference :  here  I 

met  the  brethren  from  Kentucky,  and  received  a  number  of 
letters. 

Sunday,  25.  I  was  enabled  to  preach  a  searching  discourse 
to  near  one  thousand  souls,  on  Isa.  lii,  8. 

Monday,  26.  We  were  closely  employed  in  the  business  of 
the  conference. 

Wednesday,  28.  We  went  over  the  mountain  to  Rockbridge 
county.  We  crossed  the  north  branch  of  James  River,  half  a 
mile  from  the  town  of  Lexington ;  dined  at  the  Red  House, 

and  came  to  Mr.  F  's  on  the  south  branch  of  Shanndoah. 

Thence  I  urged  my  way  by  Stanton  through  the  rain,  without 
any  boots ;  and  having  sold  my  oil  cloth  a  few  days  before,  I 
was  wet  from  head  to  foot.  My  mind  is  in  peace,  waiting  till 
my  change  come,  hanging  on  Jesus  for  everlasting  rest. 
We  have  a  valuable  house  here  (Newtown)  and  three  local 
preachers ;  at  Charlestown  a  good  house  and  one  local 


June,  1794.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


229 


preacher ;  I  feel  as  though  it  would  be  a  long  time  before  I 
go  through  this  country  again.  For  some  days  I  have  had 
an  inflammatory  complaint  in  my  ear,  it  is  now  removed  into 
my  mouth. 

I  spent  Monday,  26th,  and  Tuesday,  27th,  at  brother  's, 

and  was  very  much  indisposed.  Came  to  Winchester ;  here 
is  a  good  meeting-house.    I  had  many  to  hear  my  very  feeble 

testimony  on  Romans  v,  10.    Doctor  made  a  gargle  of 

rose  leaves,  nitre,  and  spirits  of  vitriol,  which  was  of  use  to  my 
throat.  I  came  on  Thursday,  to  J.  H.'s,  and  employed  bro- 
ther A.  to  preach,  my  throat  continuing  very  bad.  I  found 
my  mind  greatly  resigned  to  the  will  of  God  under  my  afflic- 
tion. 

Sick,  wet,  and  weary,  I  found  a  comfortable  retreat  in  the 
house  of  R.  Hamson  ;  I  have  not  been  so  thoroughly  soaked 
in  two  years  ;  I  think  I  have  need  of  a  leathern  coat  that  will 
stand  all  weathers.  I  got  two  men  to  canoe  me  across  the 
river ;  they  brought  me  over  safe,  and  appeared  to  be  satisfied 
with  a  quarter  of  a  dollar  each.  Saturday  was  an  awful  day 
to  me ;  my  ear  was  exceedingly  painful. 

Sunday,  June  1.  I  ventured  to  the  church  in  the  rain,  and 
bore  a  feeble  testimony  for  nearly  an  hour  on  2  Pet.  i,  4. 

It  was  with  difficulty  I  could  attend  the  conference ;  my 
throat  and  passage  to  the  ear  being  inflamed,  and  I  had  also 
a  chill  and  high  fever.  We  had  preaching  morning,  noon,  and 
night,  and  had  peace  and  consolation  in  our  deliberations.  On 
the  last  day  of  the  conference  I  delivered  a  discourse  on  1  Cor. 
i,  5,  and  we  concluded  with  a  solemn  sacrament. 

I  next  came  to  Shanadoah  county.  We  have  had  .awful 
rains  for  about  two  weeks ;  to  these  I  have  been  exposed  in 
my  afflicted  state. 

Sunday,  8.  Preached  at  Newtown,  little  notice  being  given, 
and  few  people  attending. 

Monday,  9.  Rested  at  brother  Phelp's.  My  mind  is  in 
peace,  but  I  feel  the  spiritual  death  of  the  people ;  they  are 
not  what  they  were  in  religion.  I  am  now  on  the  head 
branches  of  Opecken.    I  stopped  awhile  at  J.  H's,  and  then 


230 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [June,  1794. 


came  on  to  Shepherdstown.  It  was  a  very  instructing  time 
to  me ;  I  cannot  pretend  to  preach,  yet  I  talk  a  little  to  the 
dear  people,  who  flock  to  see  and  hear  me  by  hundreds.  I 
hope  to  be  as  much  resigned  to  a  life  of  affliction  as  a  life  of 
health  ;  and  thus  may  I  be  perfect  in  love  and  wholly  crucified 
with  Christ !  I  concluded,  after  my  high  fever,  and  my  being 
forced  to  bed,  that  it  was  out  of  the  question  for  me  to  attempt 
to  speak ;  but  when  I  saw  the  people  coming  on  every  side, 
and  thought  "  this  may  be  the  last  time,"  and  considered  I 
had  not  been  there  for  nearly  five  years,  I  took  my  staff, 
faintly  ascended  the  hill,  and  held  forth  on  1  John  i,  6,  7,  and 
felt  strengthened,  having  a  clear  view  of  the  word  of  God. 
After  meeting  we  administered  the  sacrament,  and  I  then  re- 
turned to  my  bed.  I  preached  at  Fredericktown.  Rode  to 
Liberty :  when  I  came  there,  I  was  so  faint,  and  my  strength 
so  spent,  that  I  felt  as  if  I  could  by  no  means  attempt  to 
preach ;  but  after  brother  R  had  sung  a  hymn  and  prayed, 
I  made  a  feeble  attempt  on  Gal.  i,  11,  12. 

Maryland. —  Tuesday,  17.  I  rode  twenty-three  miles  to 
the  stone  chapel,  where  I  preached  on  Peter's  denial  of  his 
Lord. 

Wednesday,  18.  I  once  more  came  to  Baltimore;  where, 
after  having  rested  a  little,  I  submitted  to  have  my  likeness 
taken :  it  seems  they  will  want  a  copy ;  if  they  wait  longer, 
perhaps  they  may  miss  it.  Those  who  have  gone  from  us  in 
Virginia,  have  drawn  a  picture  of  me,  which  is  not  taken  from 
the  life.  We  called  a  meeting  at  Cokesbury,  and  made  some 
regulations  relative  to  the  salaries  of  the  teachers,  and  the 
board  of  the  students.  I  returned  to  Baltimore,  and  spent 
Sabbath  day,  22d,  there,  and  found  the  people  but  dull.  Bro- 
ther M'C.  took  his  stand  at  the  wind-mill  between  town  and 
Point.  My  soul  was  quickened  whilst  applying  these  words, 
"  Every  knee  shall  bow,  of  things  in  heaven,  things  on  earth, 
and  things  under  the  earth,  and  every  tongue  shall  confess 
that  Jesus  Christ  is  Lord  to  the  glory  of  God  the  Father :"  I 
was  grieved  to  find  the  hearts  of  the  people  so  cold  in  religion ; 
the  world  is  a  thief,  stealing  #he  heart  from  God. 


July,  1*794.J  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


231 


Monday,  23.  Set  out  for  Philadelphia.  Spent  a  day  at  col- 
lege. 

Wednesday,  25.  I  reached  J.  H  's,  very  unwell  with 

bodily  infirmities,  but  I  found  Christ  with  me.    Next  day  we 

breakfasted  with  brother  M  ,  at  Newport,  dined  at  Chester, 

and  preached  in  the  evening  at  Philadelphia,  after  riding  forty 
miles.  I  was  weak  and  heavy  in  body  and  soul.  I  spent 
Friday  in  writing  to  my  brethren  in  various  parts  who  called 
for  my  advice. 

Pennsylvania. —  Sunday,  29.  I  preached  at  the  new  Afri- 
can church.  Our  coloured  brethren  are  to  be  governed  by 
the  doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  Methodists.  We  had  some 
stir  among  the  people  at  Ebenezer.  In  the  evening  we  had 
a  cold  time  at  the  great  church  on  Amos  iv,  11.  This  has 
been  a  hard  day's  work. 

New-Jersey. — Monday,  30.  I  rode  to  Trenton,  an  exceed- 
ingly warm  day,  and  preached  in  the  evening.  We  rode  to 
Kingston  ;  thence  to  Brunswick  ;  thence  to  Bonhamtown,  and 
were  weary  enough  when  we  got  to  Mr.  B  's.  Poor  bro- 
ther S          almost  fainted,  and  went,  outdone,  to  bed. 

Came  to  Elizabethtown,  and  was  grieved  at  the  conduct  of 
some  of  the  preachers.  0,  how  careful  should  each  one  be 
lest  he  become  a  stumbling-block  and  destroy  precious  souls  ! 
As  I  cannot  help,  so  neither  am  I  to  answer  for  other  men's  sins. 

Wednesday,  July  2.  I  gave  them  a  close  discom-se  on  2  Cor. 
vii,  1.  I  had  four  Methodist  and  one  Presbyterian  minister 
to  hear  me,  and  we  had  some  life  in  our  souls. 

Thursday,  3.  Came  faint  and  weary  to  Powles  Hook,  and 
felt  my  mind  solemn  and  devoted  to  God.  Thence  crossed 
over  to  New-York,  and  found  my  friends  kind  and  full  of  the 
world. 

Nhw-Yobk. — Friday  4.  Was  the  anniversary  of  Independ- 
ence: I  preached  on  2  Pet.  iii,  20,  21,  wherein — 

L  I  showed  that  all  real  Christians  had  escaped  the  pollu- 
tions of  the  world. 

II.  That  it  is  possible  for  them  to  be  entangled  therein 
again  and  overcome. 


232 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [July,  1794. 


III.  That  when  this  is  the  case  they  turn  from  the  holy 
commandments  delivered  unto  them. 

IV.  That  the  last  state  of  such  is  worse  than  the  first :  for 
God  is  provoked,  Christ  slighted,  the  Spirit  grieved,  religion 
dishonoured,  their  understanding  is  darkened,  the  will  is  per- 
verted, the  conscience  becomes  insensible,  and  all  the  affec- 
tions unmoved  under  the  means  of  grace ;  they  keep  the  wis- 
dom of  the  serpent,  but  lose  the  harmlessness  of  the  dove. 

At  dinner  Mr.  P  spoke  a  word  in  favour  of  Mr.  G  , 

(who  was  once  with  us,  as  also  he  had  been  ;)  this  brought  on 
an  explanation  of  matters  :  my  answer  was,  1.  That  I  did 
not  make  rules,  but  had  to  execute  them.  2.  That  any  one 
who  desired  me  to  act  unconstitutionally,  either  insulted  me 
as  an  individual,  or  the  conference  as  a  body  of  men.  I  hardly 
know  sometimes  where  to  set  my  foot ;  I  must  be  always  on  my 
guard,  and  take  heed  to  what  I  say  of  and  before  any  one. 
Lord,  make  me  upright  in  heart  and  life  before  thee  and  all  men ! 

Sunday,  6.  My  mind  was  much  agitated  about  trifles.  I 
preached  in  the  morning  on  Heb.  xiii,  12,  and  we  had  a  little 
move  at  the  sacrament.  At  three  I  preached  in  the  new  house, 
and  again  in  the  evening  at  the  old  house,  and  gave  a  close 
exhortation  to  the  society. 

Monday,  7.  Came  to  Berian's,  near  Kingsbridge,  and  thence 
to  the  White  Plains,  and  dined  with  Lawyer  H  ,  a  mem- 
ber of  our  society.  I  preached  at  Chester  court-house  to 
about  one  hundred  people :  here  are  some  living,  gracious 
souls.  Came  in  the  evening  to  King-street.  I  am  not  con- 
scious of  having  sinned,  but  I  feel  the  infirmities  of  flesh  and 
blood,  and  am  in  continual  heaviness  through  manifold  tempta- 
tions. We  had  a  sultry  afternoon,  and  a  rough  ride  over  the 
rocks  and  hills  to  Bedford,  where  I  had  a  feeble  time  in  the 
town-house,  on  the  fall  of  Peter.  I  was  sick,  sore,  tempted, 
and  grieved  : — and  bade  Bedford  farewell ! 

Connecticut. —  Thursday,  10.  Came  to  Norwich,  sixteen 
miles  ;  thence  to  Fairfield,  twelve  miles :  and  in  the  evening 
reached  Poquonack,  making  nearly  forty  miles,  in  very  great 
debility  of  body. 


July,  1794.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


238 


Friday,  1 1 .  We  came  to  New  Haven ;  thence  to  North 
Haven ;  thence  to  Middlefields  :  the  rain  took  us  as  we  crossed 
the  mountains,  and  jnade  it  heavy  work.  We  found  it  poor 
times.  Were  I  to  be  paid  by  man  for  my  services,  I  should 
rate  them  very  high  ;  it  is  so  painful  at  present  for  me  to  ride, 
that  a  small  sum  would  not  tempt  me  to  travel  forty  miles  a 
day.  I  bless  the  Lord  for  daily  afflictions  of  body  and  mind  : 
0  may  these  things  terminate  in  my  total  resignation  to  the 
will  of  God ! 

Saturday,  12.  The  rain  detained  us  till  noon;  I  then  came 
to  Middletown,  and  preached  at  three  o'clock  in  the  Separate 
meeting-house  with  some  life.  I  lodged  with  the  old  prophet, 
Frothingham.  After  this  dear  old  man  had  laboured  and  suf- 
fered many  years,  and  had  been  imprisoned  three  times  for 
the  cause  of  Christ ;  after  he  grew  old  and  his  memory  failed, 
and  he  could  not  receive  the  new  divinity,  they  mistook  and 
wrested  his  words ;  and  his  congregation  turned  him  out  to 
starve  : — but  the  Lord  will  provide. 

Sunday,  13.  Was  a  great  day — we  had  a  love-feast,  and  I 
preached  in  the  court-house,  morning  and  evening,  and  brother 
S  in  the  afternoon. 

Monday,  14.  Rode  fourteen  miles  to  the  city  of  Hartford  ; 
and  preached  once  more  in  Strong's  church — and  I  roared  out 
wonderfully  on  Matt,  xi,  28-30.  Next  day  we  came  five 
miles  to  Spencer's,  in  Hartford ;  where  we  have  a  neat  house, 
forty  by  thirty-four  feet.  Thence  I  rode  fifteen  miles  to  Co- 
ventry, where  I  had  a  large  congregation,  and  a  comfortable 
meeting. 

Wednesday,  1G.  We  had  to  make  our  way  through  heat, 
rocks,  and  dust,  to  Gargle's,  at  the  wonderful  water-works 
erected  on  the  falls  of  the  river ;  and  thence  to  Pomfret's ; 
making  in  all  thirty-three  miles. 

Thursday,  ll.  We  came  a  very  rough  path  of  five  miles, 
to  Douglass ;  then  hasted  twelve  miles  to  Menden  ;  thence  to 

Milfoid,  three  miles  :  we  stopped  at  Mr.  's,  and  brother 

R  went  forward  to  supply  my  place  :  I  was  not  able, 

nor  was  there  time  to  speak  much  after  he  had  done :  the 


234 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [July,  1794. 


heat  was  intense — and  there  was  very  little  shade,  this  coun- 
try being  long  since  untimbered. 

Friday,  18.  Rode  nineteen  miles  to  ^N^edham :  if  possible 
the  heat  and  dust  were  greater  than  before,  so  that  by  the 
time  we  reached  the  appointment,  we  were  nearly  spent ; 

here  we  met  with  brother  T  ,  and  were  grieved  at  the 

account  of  the  improper  conduct  of  ,  which  causes  noise, 

smoke,  and  fire  enough. 

Saturday,  19.  Came  to  Waltham  to  a  quarterly  meeting: 
at  three  o'clock  I  gave  them  a  discourse  on  the  little  flock,  to 
comfort  the  affrighted  sheep.  Sabbath  day,  we  had  love- 
feast  at  eight  o'clock,  sermon  at  half-past  ten  o'clock,  and 
again  in  the  afternoon  :  there  was  some  life  in  the  love-feast, 
and  sacrament  also. 

Massachusetts. — Monday,  21.  I  came  to  Boston  unwell 
in  body,  and  with  a  heavy  heart.  I  passed  the  road  and 
bridge  from  the  University  to  Boston.  A  noble  road  and 
grand  bridge.  We  have  very  agreeable  lodging  in  this  town  ; 
but  have  to  preach,  as  did  our  Lord,  in  an  upper  room. 
We  had  a  prayer-meeting,  and  the  Lord  was  present  to 
bless  us. 

Labour,  and  affliction  of  body  and  mind,  make  my  poor 
heart  sad,  and  spirits  sink.  Why  art  thou  cast  down,  0  my 
soul,  and  why  art  thou  disquieted  within  me  ?  hope  thou  in 
God  ;  thou  shalt  yet  praise  him  ! 

Tuesday,  22.  I  took  up  my  cross  and  preached  in  a  large 
room,  which  was  full  enough,  and  warm  enough ;  I  stood 
over  the  street ;  the  boys  and  Jack-tars  made  a  noise,  but 
mine  was  loudest ;  there  was  fire  in  the  smoke  ;  some,  I  think, 
felt  the  word,  and  we  shall  yet  have  a  work  in  Boston  :  my 
talk  was  strange  and  true  to  some. 

Wednesday,  23.  I  now  go  hence  to  Lynn  ;  once  the  joy, 
now  the  grief  of  our  hearts  :  but  we  must  go  through  all  for 
Christ  and  souls. 

Sunday,  27.  I  gave  them  a  sermon  in  the  forenoon,  and 
another  in  the  afternoon.  I  could  but  rejoice  in  the  prospect 
of  leaving  Lynn  on  Monday  morning.     The  society  here 


Aug.,  1794.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


235 


began  in  union.  It  is  now  incorporated  in  order  to  prevent 
the  Methodists  from  being  obliged,  by  law,  to  pay  congre- 
gational tax. 

I  left  Boston,  and  passed  Roxbury,  Dorchester,  Mil- 
ton, Stoughton,  and  Easton ;  making  it  upwards  of  forty 
miles. 

Tuesday,  29.  Rode  through  Attlebury  to  Providence — I 
had  no  freedom  to  eat  bread  or  drink  water  in  that  place. 
I  found  a  calm  retreat  at  Gen.  Lippelt's,  where  we  can  rest 
ourselves  :  the  Lord  is  in  this  family  ;  I  am  content  to  stay  a 
day,  and  give  them  a  sermon. 

Rhode  Island. —  Thursday,  31.  I  left  Gen.  Lippelt's,  and 
set  out  for  New-London. 

Connecticut. — Friday,  August  1.  Brother  R.  preached  in 
the  evening  in  New-London. 

Saturday,  2.  I  made  my  appearance  in  the  court-house, 
and  preached  to  about  seven  hundred  people  with  consider- 
able freedom. 

Sunday,  3.  We  had  love-feast  in  the  upper  room  of  the 
court-house  ;  where  some  spoke  feelingly :  our  sermon  and 
sacrament  took  up  three  hours.  God  is  certainly  among  these 
people.  We  have  set  on  foot  a  subscription  to  build  a  house 
of  worship,  and  have  appointed  seven  trustees. 

Monday,  4.  Was  one  of  the  warmest  days  we  have  known. 
We  left  New-London  and  came  through  Norwich,  twelve 
miles  :  this  is  a  well-improved  country  ;  producing  fine  clover, 
oats,  and  flax. 

We  passed  Windham  and  Mansfield.  We  were  met  by  a 
powerful  thunder-gust ;  but  stepping  into  a  house,  escaped 
its  effects :  this  is  one  advantage  which  we  have  in  travelling 
in  the  eastern,  rather  than  the  western  country  ;  in  the  latter, 
oftentimes  there  is  not  a  house  for  miles — in  the  former  there 
are  houses  always  in  sight.  We  passed  fine  streams  and  ex- 
cellent meadows ;  but  the  heat  was  excessive,  and  we  had  no 
shade  except  now  and  then  a  spreading  tree  :  our  horses 
were  as  though  they  had  been  ridden  through  a  brook  of 
water.    We  purchased  our  dinner  on  the  way,  and  it  was 


236 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Aug.,  1794. 


sweet :  we  laboured  hard  till  eight  o'clock,  and  came  sick  and 

weary  to  father  P  's,  not  less,  in  my  judgment,  than  forty 

miles. 

Thursday,  7.  A  day  of  rest  and  affliction  of  body  :  came 
to  Tolland  very  unwell.  I  find  my  soul  stayed  upon  God  in 
perfect  love,  and  wait  his  holy  will  in  all  things. 

Saturday  9.  I  preached  in  a  school-house  at  the  north  end 
of  Tolland,  and  had  the  house  filled. 

Sunday,  10.  Brother  R  ,  though  sick,  went  to  Co- 
ventry, and  I  was  left  alone  at  Tolland  ;  where  I  preached  in 
the  forenoon,  on  Acts  ii,  37,  38,  with  some  freedom ;  and  in 
the  afternoon  on  Colossians  ii,  6,  and  found  it  heavy  work. 
After  meeting  I  was  taken  with  a  dysentery,  (attended  with 
great  sinking  of  bodily  powers,)  which  held  me  most  of  the 
night.  Monday  I  was  better,  and  preached  in  a  school-house 
at  Ellington.  I  felt  great  dejection  of  spirit,  but  no  guilt  or 
condemnation.  Ah  !  here  are  the  iron  walls  of  prejudice  ; 
but  God  can  break  them  down.  Out  of  fifteen  United  States, 
thirteen  are  free  ;  but  two  are  fettered  with  ecclesiastical 
chains — taxed  to  support  ministers,  who  are  chosen  by  a  small 
committee,  and  settled  for  life.  My  simple  prophecy  is,  that 
this  must  come  to  an  end  with  the  present  century.  The 
Rhode  Islanders  began  in  time,  and  are  free  : — hail,  sons  of 
liberty  !  Who  first  began  the  war  ?  Was  it  not  Connecticut 
and  Massachusetts  ?  and  priests  are  now  saddled  upon  them. 
0  what  a  happy  people  would  these  be  if  they  were  not  thus 
priest-ridden !  It  is  well  for  'me  that  I  am  not  stretching 
along,  while  my  body  is  so  weak  and  the  heat  so  intense  ; 
brother  Roberts  is  with  me,  and  we  both  only  do  the  work  of 

one  man  in  public.    I  heard  read  a  most  severe  letter 

from  a  citizen  of  Vermont,  to  the  clergy  and  Christians  of 
Connecticut,  striking  at  the  foundation  and  principle  of  the 
hierarchy,  and  the  policy  of  Yale-College,  and  the  Inde- 
pendent order.  It  was  cxpi-essive  of  the  determination  of 
the  Vermonters  to  continue  free  from  ecclesiastical  fetters, 
to  follow  the  Bible,  and  give  liberty,  equal  liberty,  to  all  de- 
nominations of  professing  Christians.    If  so,  why  may  not  the 


Aug.,  1794.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


23  7 


Methodists  (who  have  been  repeatedly  solicited)  visit  these 
people  also  ? 

Tuesday,  12.  I  rode  over  the  rocks  to  the  Square  Ponds, 
and  found  our  meeting-house  as  I  left  it  two  years  ago,  open 
and  unfinished.     We  have  here  a  few  gracious  souls :  I 

preached  on  Luke  xiii,  24,  and  lodged  with  brother  C  , 

who  was  exceedingly  kind  to  man  and  horse. 

Wednesday,  13.  Came  to  brother  M  's,  on  a  branch  of 

the  Alemantick.    Our  friends  and  the  people  in  North-Stafford 

had  appointed  for  me  to  preach  in  Mr.  's  meeting-house :  to 

this  I  submitted,  but  it  was  not  my  choice  :  I  was  loud,  plain, 

and  pointed  on  Rom.  viii,  6,  7.    Mr.  was  present,  and 

after  meeting  kindly  invited  me  to  his  house.  The  soil  of  this 
country  is  naturally  poor,  but  made  rich  by  cultivation  :  it  is 
blessed  with  good  stone  to  build  chimneys,  and  to  make  walls 
or  fences,  that  may  boast  of  strength  and  duration  to  the  end 
of  time. 

I  went  beyond  my  strength  at  brother  M  's  ;  we  had  a 

crowd  of  hearers,  and  some  melting  among  the  people.  I  felt 
myself  so  moved  that  I  could  not  be  calm.  I  gave  them  a 
sermon  in  West-Stafford,  on  Heb.  iii,  12-14.  I  am  awfully 
afraid  many  in  these  parts  have  departed  from  the  love,  fa- 
vour, and  fear  of  God.  I  was  led  to  treat  particularly  on 
unbelief,  as  the  soul-destroying  sin :  it  kecpeth  men  from  turn- 
ing to  God  ;  and  it  is  by  this  sin  that  the  heart  first  departs 
from  God  ;  to  prevent  which,  Christians  ought  to  exhort  one 
another  daily,  lest  they  be  hardened  through  the  deceitfulness 

thereof,  and  so  become  castaways.    Came  to  Squire  S  's. 

In  the  evening,  I  felt  much  hurt  by  the  exertions  I  had  made 
for  precious  souls. 

Saturday,  16.  I  rode  up  the  hills,  where  we  had  some 
close  talk ;  I  observed  there  was  good  attention,  and  some 
melting  in  the  congregation.  1  came  to  L.  S.'s ;  here  some 
of  the  young  people  are  with  us,  and  the  old  people  prefer 
hearing  the  Methodists  preach  to  the  hearing  of  sermons  read. 

Sunday,  17.  I  came  to  the  new  chapel  in  Wilbraham, 
forty  by  thirty-four  feet,  neatly  designed  on  the  Episcopal 


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ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Aug.,  1794. 


plan.  I  was  unwell  and  under  heaviness  of  mind.  I  preached 
to  about  four  hundred  people,  who  were  very  attentive,  but 
appeared  to  be  very  little  moved.  The  standing  order  have 
moved  their  house  into  the  street,  not  far  from  ours ;  and 
they  think,  and  say,  they  can  make  the  Methodist  people  pay 
them  :  but  I  presume  in  this  they  are  mistaken. 

Monday,  18.  Came  to  S.  B.'s — and  was  at  home,  feeling 
comfortable  in  body  and  mind. 

Tuesday,  19.  I  preached  at  Mr.  R.'s  ;  and  was  led  on  a 
sudden  to  open  and  apply  Phil,  ii,  12,  13  :  I.  Who  are  ad- 
dressed ?  Christian  believers.  2.  The  leading  subject — future 
and  eternal  salvation ;  to  avoid  legality,  Antinomianism,  and 
lukewarmness.  3.  That  he  hath,  and  doth  work  in  them  to 
will  and  to  do ;  to  resist  temptation  ;  to  be  sanctified  ;  and  to 
be  finally  saved.  4.  They  should  work  out  their  own  salva- 
tion, by  being  found  in  every  means  of  grace  ;  attending  to 
mercy,  justice,  truth,  and  love.  5.  With  fear,  where  many 
have  failed  ;  with  trembling,  where  many  have  fallen.  Some 
were  not  well  pleased  at  this  anti-Calvinistic  doctrine ;  but 
I  cannot  help  that.  I  have  been  much  tried,  and  much 
blessed  ;  weak  in  body,  but,  I  trust,  happy  in  Christ — in  the 
precious  love  of  Jesus. 

Wednesday,  20.  I  had  a  quiet  retreat  at  brother  W.'s.  My 
mind  enjoys  peace ;  and  my  soul  shall  breathe  after  the  sal- 
vation of  dearly-bought  souls.  Mr.  S.,  a  minister  of  the  stand- 
ing order,  held  a  meeting  near  us  at  the  same  time :  whether 
this  were  in  opposition  or  not,  he  knoweth.  I  preached  on 
"Seek  the  Lord,  and  ye  shall  live."  1.  The  death  to  which 
those  are  exposed  who  have  not  found  the  Lord.  2.  The 
life  those  do  and  shall  enjoy  who  have  found,  and  do  live  to 
the  Lord — a  life  of  faith,  love,  and  holiness  here,  and  glory 
hereafter.  3.  We  must  seek  him  in  all  the  means  of  grace. 
Rode  in  the  evening  to  father  A.'s,  in  Springfield;  a  kind 
family.  Here  I  gave  them  a  short  sermon  on  Acts  ii,  22 : 
I  showed,  1.  What  we  must  be  saved  from.  2.  That  we 
cannot  save  ourselves.  3.  On  whom  we  must  call  for  salva- 
tion.   4.  That  whosoever  thus  calls  on  the  name  of  the  Lord, 


Aug.,  1794.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


239 


without  distinction  of  age,  nation,  or  character,  shall  be 
saved. 

Friday,  22.  We  came  to  mother  K.'s,  in  Enfield,  a  capital 
town  in  Massachusetts.  The  inhabitants,  one  hundred  and 
fifty  miles  up  the  river,  send  down  the  white  pine  logs  by 
means  of  the  freshets  at  the  breaking  up  of  the  winter  and 
frost :  the  people  up  the  stream  mark  them  ;  and  the  people 
here  take  them  up,  and  are  paid  for  it,  or  purchase  the  logs. 
It  is  said,  that  if  the  proprietor  is  paid  for  two-thirds  of  those 
he  puts  into  the  river,  he  is  content,  and  well  rewarded  for 
his  labour. 

Sunday,  24.  I  was  well  attended  at  the  Separate  meeting- 
house, where  I  applied  Acts  v,  29-33.  We  had  a  solemn 
sacrament ;  but  0  !  my  soul  is  distressed  at  the  formality  of 
these  people.  Brother  Roberts  preached  in  the  afternoon  to 
a  crowded  house,  and  at  five  o'clock  I  had  to  preach  to  a  few 
sermon-stupified  hearers  of  different  denominations.  O  my 
Loi'd  !  when  wilt  thou  again  visit  the  people  of  this  place  ?  I 
have  read  Lowman  on  the  Jewish  Government :  strange  that 
it  should  be  so  much  like  the  British  Government,  and  ancient 
New-England ;  but  the  wonder  ceases  when  we  know  the 
writer  was  an  Englishman.  Now  I  suppose  I  have  found  out 
how  the  Bostonians  were  moved  to  call  the  General  Assembly 
a  court,  and  their  members  deputies  ;  they  followed  Lowman. 

Tuesday,  26.  I  rode  twelve  miles  to  Wapping  I  was  happy 
to  have  an  opportunity  of  retreating  a  little  into  much-loved 
solitude  at  Capt.  S  's,  a  man  of  good  sense  and  great  kind- 
ness. I  had  some  enlargement  on  Isa.  lv,  6-9,  and  was  en- 
abled to  speak  with  power  and  demonstration.    I  preached 

at  T.  S  's  barn :  my  spirits  were  sunk  at  the  wickedness 

of  the  people  of  this  place.  My  subject  was  Isa.  lxiv,  1-7. 
0  what  mountains  are  in  the  way!  Idolatry,  superstition, 
prejudice  of  education,  infidelity,  riches,  honours,  and  the 
pleasures  of  the  world.  Ver.  7  :  "  None  calleth."  Prayer  of 
every  kind  is  almost  wholly  neglected.  "  That  stirreth  up 
himself."  0  !  how  might  men  address  their  own  souls  ! — as, 
0  !  my  soul,  hast  thou  had  conviction,  penitence,  faith,  rege- 


240 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL        [Sept.,  1794. 


neration?  Art  thou  ready  to  enter  the  unseen,  unknown 
state  of  happiness,  and  stand  before  God?  or  wilt  thou  be 
content  to  make  thy  bed  in  hell  ? 

I  lodged  at  the  oldest  house  in  Windsor,  with  another  bro- 
ther S  ,  not  unlike  the  captain.  Notwithstanding  his  cer- 
tificate from  the  Methodists  he  has  been  taxed  to  pay  a  minis- 
try he  heareth  not.  0  liberty  !  0  priestcraft !  So  all  that 
withdraw  must  pay  the  ministry. 

I  can  scarcely  find  a  breath  of  living,  holy,  spiritual  religion 
here,  except  amongst  a  few  women  in  East  Hartford.  If  there 
should  continue  to  be  peace  in  America,  yet  I  am  afraid  that 
God  will  punish  the  people  himself  for  their  wickedness ;  it 
may  be  by  pestilence,  or  civil  discord,  or  internal  plague. 

Saturday,  30.  We  were  called  upon  to  baptize  a  child, 

which  Mr.  refused  to  do,  because  the  parents  owned  the 

covenant  and  have  now  broken  it,  This  is  the  way  to  bind 
people  to  the  good  old  Church. 

Sunday,  31.  My  affliction  of  body  and  mind  was  great  at 
Spencertown ;  yet  I  had  a  solemn  time  in  preaching  in  the 
new  tabernacle  to  about  four  hundred  people  on  Luke 
xxiv,  45-48.  After  an  hour's  recess  we  came  together  again, 
and  some  were  offended,  and  others  convicted,  while  I  en- 
larged on  '•  The  promise  is  to  you  and  your  children."  I  was 
in  public  exercise  about  five  hours,  including  sacrament,  and 
was  so  outdone  with  heat,  labour,  and  sickness,  that  I  could 
take  but  little  rest  that  night. 

Monday,  Scptnnbcr  1.  I  rode  to  the  plains  of  Ellington,  and 

next  day  to  Wilbraham,  and  was  kindly  treated  by  S.  S  . 

I  preached  at  the  next  house,  and  we  had  a  dreadful  talk  to 
a  miserable,  faithless  people.  We  rode  two  miles  in  the  heat, 
and  I  was  near  fainting,  and  felt  almost  like  Jonah. 

Thursday,  4.  We  opened  our  conference  with  what  preach- 
ers were  present.  I  was  still  weak  in  body.  I  lodged  with 
Abel  Bliss,  whose  son  was  educated,  and  not  spoiled,  at  Cokes- 
bury. 

Friday,  5.  We  had  a  full  house,  and  hasted  through  much 
business. 


Sept.,  1794.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


241 


Saturday,  6.  Brother  L.  R  and  myself  preached.  My 

subject  was  Mai.  iii,  1-4.  I  treated  on  the  coming  and  work 
of  John  the  Baptist ;  the  coming,  work,  and  doctrine  of  Christ, 
and  his  changing  the  ordinances  and  priesthood,  with  the 
ministry  and  discipline  of  the  Church. 

Sunday,  7.  Wc  spent  from  eight  to  nine  o'clock  in  prayer: 
a  sermon,  three  exhortations,  and  the  sacrament  followed. 
Wc  parted  at  three  o'clock,  and  I  came  to  Enfield,  and  got 
my  dinner  at  seven  o'clock  in  the  evening. 

Monday,  8.  We  spent  this  day  on  the  road,  passing  Wind- 
sor and  East  Hartford,  and  came  to  the  city.  The  next  day 
we  reached  Middletown,  where  I  was  taken  ill.  We  have  a 
call  for  preachers  to  go  to  New-Hampshire  and  to  the  Province 
of  Maine. 

Wednesday,  10.  We  rose  at  three,  and  set  out  at  five 
o'clock,  and  breakfasted  at  North-Haven.  We  came  in  the 
evening  to  Strat  ford,  and  had  a  little  meeting,  although  I  was 
heavy,  sick,  and  sleepy. 

Thursday,  11.  We  rode  to  General  W.'s.  Here  I  learn 
they  guard  Kingsbiidge,  and  will  not  suffer  any  one  to  pass 
from  New-Haven.  It  is  also  said,  the  pestilential  fever  pre- 
vails in  the  city  of  New- York,  having  been  brought  there  by 
a  brig  from  the  Islands.  I  thought  it  best  to  stop,  and  con- 
sult the  preachers  in  the  Albany  district,  before  I  go  into  the 
city.  As  the  yellow  fever  is  so  prevalent  in  the  West  Indies, 
and  our  vessels  continually  trading  there,  the  United  States 
will  partake,  I  fear,  of  their  plagues ;  and  so  the  Lord  will 
punish  us  for  our  sins  and  prodigality.  I  only  wish  to  be 
holy  ;  and  then  let  come  whatever  the  Lord  pleases.  I  came 
through  Poquonnock,  Fairfield,  and  Norwalk  ;  but  there  is  no 
room  for  the  Methodists  in  those  places. 

Wc  had  a  pleasant  ride,  within  sight  of  Long  Island,  on  the 
salt-water  creeks,  where  there  are  tide  mills  which  work  very 
swiftly  and  powerfully.  Brothers  R.  and  P.  left  me  to  attend 
the  quarterly  meeting  at  Dan  Town,  and  I  spent  my  time  in 
retirement. 

Friday,  12.  I  filled  my  minute-book,  and  read  freely  in  the 
Vol.  II.— 11 


242 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Sept.,  1794. 


Bible  :  this  book  is  so  much  hated  by  some  ;  as  for  me,  I  will 
love  and  read  it  more  than  ever. 

Saturday,  13.  Very  warm,  and  I  was  very  faint.  I  preach- 
ed in  a  new  open  house,  and  had  a  sweet  comforting  time,  on 
Luke  xii,  31,  32.  Here  I  met  brother  Dunham  from  Upper 
Canada,  who  wants  more  preachers  in  that  province. 

Sunday,  14.  Although  very  unwell,  I  crept  out  to  adminis- 
ter the  sacrament,  and  preached  a  little  on  Rom.  xiii,  11.  I 
must  needs  go  through  Bedford.  0 !  how  should  I  learn, 
whatever  I  think,  to  say  but  little ;  it  was  the  sin  of  meek 
Moses,  when  pressed  hard,  to  speak  unadvisedly  with  his  lips. 
This  country  is  so  rough  and  ridgy  that  we  cannot  get  for- 
wards except  it  be  along  the  road  to  the  landing,  or  to  some 
capital  place. 

New-Yokk. — My  horse  having  wandered  and  left  me,  I 
borrowed  a  horse,  and  on  Monday  rode  to  lawyer  H.'s ;  and 
the  next  day  came  in  a  carriage  to  New-Rochellc :  after  preach- 
ing on  Heb.  iii,  12,  I  lodged  near  the  place  I  preached  at 
twenty-three  years  ago. 

Wednesday,  17.  I  came  near  Kingsbridge,  and  found  that 
it  was  not  as  had  been  reported  concerning  the  malignant 
fever  in  New-York :  perhaps  a  dozen  might  have  taken  the 
infection  from  a  vessel;  but  it  hath  not  spread,  and  the  wea- 
ther became  propitious  by  rain  and  pure  winds.  On  Thurs- 
day, the  1 8th,  I  came  into  the  city. 

Sunday,  21.  I  preached  in  the  old  house,  on  Psalm  exxxii ; 
at  the  new  church  in  the  afternoon  on  Psalm  i ;  and  at  Brook- 
lyn in  the  evening.  Here  our  brethren  have  built  a  very  good 
house.  The  labours  of  the  day,  pain  of  body,  and  my  con- 
cern for  the  peace  of  the  Church,  tended  to  keep  me  from 
proper  rest,  and  caused  an  awful  night. 

Monday,  22.  We  opened  conference,  and  sat  closely  to  our 
business.  Several  of  our  preachers  want  to  know  what  they 
shall  do  when  they  grow  old ;  I  might  also  ask,  what  shall  I 
do?  Perhaps  many  of  them  will  not  live  to  grow  old. 

Tuesday,  23.  I  preached  with  liberty  :  but  on  Thursday 
night  I  had  a  powerful  temptation  before  1  went  into  the 


Oct.,  1794.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


243 


church,  which  sat  so  heavily  on  me  that  I  could  not  preach ; 
yet  I  trust  I  was  kept  from  sin.  My  sleep  is  so  little,  that 
my  head  becomes  dizzy,  and  distresses  mc  much  :  four  hours' 
sleep  in  the  night  is  as  much  as  I  can  obtain.  We  concluded 
our  work;  and  observed  Friday  as  a  day  of  abstinence  and 
prayer,  and  had  a  good  time  at  our  love-feast. 

Sunday,  28.  Preached  at  ten  o'clock  at  Brooklyn.  In  the 
afternoon  at  the  new  church,  on,  "  Woe  to  them  that  are  at 
ease  in  Zion !"  I  ordained  seven  deacons  and  five  elders  ; 
and  in  the  evening,  at  the  old  church,  I  preached  again  :  we 
had  the  best  time  at  the  last,  at  least  it  was  so  to  me.  All 
day  I  was  straitened  in  my  throat,  and  in  my  heart.  Wc 
collected  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  for  the  relief  of  the 
preachers  in  distress. 

This  has  been  a  serious  week  to  me  :  money  could  not  pur- 
chase the  labour  and  exercise  I  have  gone  through.  At  this 
conference  it  was  resolved,  that  nothing  but  an  English  free 
day-school  should  be  kept  at  Cokcsbury. 

Monday,  29.  I  did  not  sleep  after  three  o'clock  in  the 
morning.  Came  to  the  boat  at  seven  o'clock,  but  could  not 
get  across  till  one  o'clock  ;  which,  to  my  no  small  grief,  pre- 
vented my  attending  my  appointment  on  Staten  Island. 

New-Jersey. — Tuesday,  30.  Rose  at  three  o'clock.  Set 
out  at  five  o'clock,  and  rode  forty-two  miles  to  Milford,  and 
preached  ;  but  I  found  this  heavy  work. 

Wednesday,  October  1.  I  had  some  life  in  preaching  at 
Crosweek's  meeting-house.  I  then  came  to  brother  Hancock's, 
and  took  sweet  counsel  with  my  old  friend,  whose  wife  I  re- 
ceived as  a  member  of  society  twenty-two  years  ago.  I  was 
in  suspense  about  going  through  Philadelphia,  lest  I  should 
not  reach  Baltimore  in  due  time.  Now  report  saith  that  they 
have  stopped  the  Baltimore  stage  on  account  of  the  malig- 
nant fever,  which  rages  powerfully  at  the  Point.  There  is  a 
great  stir  among  the  people  concerning  the  western  insurrec- 
tion ;  the  people  have  risen  up  against  government  on  account 
of  the  excise  law  relative  to  the  distillation  of  spirits.  A 
number  of  the  militia  are  called  out :  thus  trouble  comes  on 


•244 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.          [Oct.,  1194. 


in  Church  and  state.  0,  my  Lord,  give  us  help ;  for  vain  is 
the  help  of  man  ! 

Thursday,  2.  I  came  to  Burlington ;  and  as  I  had  not  had 
a  day  to  myself  for  some  time,  I  took  one  now,  to  rend, 
Avrite,  and  fill  up  my  journal,  &c.  I  feel  for  the  Church  and 
continent :  but  the  Lord  sitteth  above  the  water  floods,  and 
remaineth  a  King  forever.  I  preached  at  Burlington,  and  the 
people  were  serious. 

Pennsylvania. — Saturday,  4.  Brother  M.  and  myself 
came  to  Philadelphia ;  and  on 

Sunday,  5,  I  preached  three  times ;  and  was  not  a  little 
fatigued  with  this  day's  labour :  I  felt  assisted,  and  had  some 
openings  in  preaching. 

Monday,  6.  Our  conference  began,  and  our  matters  were 
talked  over  freely.  Our  session  continued  until  Friday,  by 
which  time  I  felt  tired  of  the  city,  and  had  a  desire  to  be 
on  horseback.  I  have  felt  liberty  in  preaching  to  tbe  citi- 
zens, and  indulge  some  hope  of  a  revival  of  religion  among  them. 

Saturday,  11.  Rode  thirty-five  miles  to  sister  Grace's,  at 
Coventry,  who,  with  her  daughter  and  granddaughter,  is,  I 
trust,  happy  in  God.  I  visited  this  house  twenty  years  ago. 
Sister  Grace,  when  in  a  delirium,  was  singing  and  talking 
about  God.  I  spent  a  solitary  Sabbath  at  her  house,  and  was 
happy  in  speaking  at  her  door,  (she  being  sick.) 

Monday,  13.  Brother  Cook  and  myself  had  a  heavy  ride 

of  nearly  fifty  miles  to  J.  H  's,  which  we  accomplished 

by  travelling  a  little  in  the  night. 

Tuesday,  14.  I  preached  at  Bethel,  on  Back  Creek  ;  and 
on  Wednesday,  15,  crossed  Elk  River,  and  came  to  quarterly 
meeting  at  Hart's  meeting-house.  I  spent  the  evening  with 
my  dear  son  in  Jesus,  D.  S  :  I  cannot  give  him  up. 

Maryland. —  Thursday,  1C.  Crossed  Susquehanna,  and 
came  to  Cokesbury  college.  I  found  it  £1,200  in  debt,  and 
that  there  were  between  £500  and  £G00  due  us ;  £300  of 
whac  we  owe  ought  now  to  be  paid. 

Saturday,  18.  We  came  to  Perry  Hall.  The  preachers 
were  afraid  to  go  into  Baltimore,  but  the  brethren  from  there 


Nov.,  1794.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


245 


came  out  to  calm  their  fears  and  invited  them  in.  I  have 
been  hurried,  and  have  not  as  much  time  for  retirement  as 
my  soul  pantcth  for — yet  I  desire  nothing  but  Christ. 

Monday,  20.  We  rode  to  Baltimore  ;  and  in  the  afternoon 
opened  our  conference  :  we  had  about  fifty  preachers,  in- 
cluding probationers  :  our  business  was  conducted  in  peace 
and  love.  Myself  and  others  being  unwell,  we  sat  only  six 
hours  in  the  day. 

Tuesday,  21.  I  gave  them  a  sermon,  on  Exod.  xxxii,  26. 
We  had  a  list  of  names  from  Fairfax,  who  required  an  ex- 
planation of  a  minute  in  our  form  of  discipline,  relative  to  the 
trial  of  members;  inquiring  whether  the  "select  members 
were  as  witnesses,  or  judges,  and  had  power  to  vote  mem- 
bers in  or  out  of  society."  (Sec.  8,  p.  56.)  We  answered 
them. 

Our  collegiate  matters  now  come  to  a  crisis.  We  now  make 
B  sudden  and  dead  pause  ; — we  mean  to  incorporate,  and 
breathe,  and  take  some  better  plan.  If  we  cannot  have  a 
Christian  school  (that  is,  a  school  under  Christian  discipline 
and  pious  teachers)  we  will  have  none.  I  had  peace  of  mind, 
but  not  much  rest. 

Sunday,  26.  We  had  a  comfortable  love-feast,  but  were 
prevented  from  attending  our  other  meetings  by  the  excessive 
rains.  The  next  day  I  came  to  Elk  Ridge  ;  where  I  saw,  after 
twenty- two  years'  labour,  a  well-designed  frame  of  a  new 
house  for  public  worship ;  a  few  good  women  are  trustees. 
The  storm  prevented  me  from  having  a  congregation  here 
also.  Came  to  J.  Holland's,  where  I  had  a  few  hearers,  and 
had  a  comfortable  time  ;  it  was  like  paradise  regained  among 
the  old  Methodists. 

Virginia. —  Thursday,  30.  Crossed  the  Patomac,  at  the 
mouth  of  Goose  Creek ;  and  came,  unexpected  by  the  bre- 
thren, to  Lecsburg.  Thence  we  journeyed  on  through  Prince 
William  and  Fauquier  counties.  We  passed  Gcrmantown, 
and  came  along  Rogues  Road,  to  Norman's  Ferry,  on  Rap- 
pahannock. After  a  disagreeable  journey,  and  being  exposed 
to  uncomfortable  weather,  on  I'ticsduy,  the  4th  of  November, 


246 


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[Nov.,  1794. 


we  came  safe  to  father  Kaubler's,  in  Culpepper  county. 
Thank  the  Lord,  there  is  here  and  there  a  house  for  God.  At 
father  K.'s  I  had  many  women  and  hut  few  men  to  hear. 
Some  of  the  men  are  gone  to  war,  some  to  their  sports,  and 
some  have  no  desire  to  hear. 

We  rode  ten  miles  to  brother  Frye's  :  after  a  long  absence 
of  ten  years  I  am  here  again.  My  mind  is  in  great  peace, 
and  the  preachers  and  people  appear  pleased  to  see  me.  I 
learn  that  about  the  month  of  June  last  died  the  great  poli- 
tician, Richard  Henry  Lee,  of  Westmoreland  county  ;  one  who 
took  an  active  part  in  promoting  the  independence  of  the 
United  States  of  America.  0,  when  will  liberty  be  extended 
to  the  sable  sons  of  Africa  ?  We  trust  the  happy  period  will 
come,  when  universal  light  shall  shine  through  all  the  earth, 
and  Jesus  shall  reign — 

 "  Where'er  the  sun 

Does  his  successive  journeys  run; 

His  kingdom  spread  from  shore  to  shore, 

Till  moons  shall  wax  and  wane  no  more." 

Thursday,  6.  I  had  some  life,  and  there  was  a  small  stir 
on  the  minds  of  some  at  Frye's,  where  we  had  a  crowd  of 
preachers  and  people. 

Friday,  1.  Crossed  one  of  the  south  branches  of  Rappa- 
hannock, called  the  Rapid  Ann,  and  came  thirty  miles  to  J. 
L  's,  in  Louisa  county. 

Saturday  and  Sunday,  8,  9.  Attended  the  quarterly  meet- 
ing at  Lastley's  meeting-house  :  we  had  a  large  congregation, 
a  quickening  sacrament,  and  life  in  the  love-feast.  I  feel  it 
necessary  to  retire  and  humble  myself  before  the  Lord  :  I 
have  been  crowded  with  company,  and  have  had  much  talk, 
and  I  find  a  solitary  walk  very  agreeable. 

I  attended  a  few  appointments  in  Hanover  and  Goochland 
counties  ;  and  on  Saturday,  15,  came  to  the  city  of  Rich- 
mond, about  five  o'clock,  and  preached  to  a  few  people  in 
Mr.  Parrot's  storehouse. 

Sunday,  16.  We  came  to  a  church  near  brother  B  's, 

where  were  gathered  many  people,  among  whom  were  some 


Nov.,  1794.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


247 


sons  of  division.  Here  were  many  pale  faces,  and  (as  I  was 
told  afterward)  some  who  had  been  making  solemn  promises 
in  their  affliction,  wondered  how  I  should  know,  and  speak  so 
pertinently  on  that  subject.  Thence  we  came  to  brother 
I.  M.'s,  in  Chesterfield ;  and  the  next  day  crossed  Appo- 
mattox and  Nottaway  rivers,  and  reached  to  B.  Jones,  in 
Brunswick  county,  on  our  way  to  Brunswick  quarterly  meet- 
ing at  Meritt's  chapel.  It  was  rather  a  dull  time,  although 
I  had  some  freedom  in  speaking,  and  we  had  a  good  love- 
feast. 

Saturday  and  Sunday,  22,  23.  Attended  a  quarterly  meet- 
ing at  Jones's  chapel  in  Sussex  county,  where  we  had  many 
people  :  I  preached  on  Deut.  ix,  12;  too  applicable  to  many 
of  these  souls.  The  rumour  of  the  small-pox  being  at  Peters- 
burg, and  only  ten  or  twelve,  out  of  seventy  or  eighty,  of 
the  preachers  having  had  it,  it  caused  us  to  think  of  holding 
our  conference  at  sister  Mabry's,  in  Greenville  county,  where 
there  are  fifteen  or  sixteen  houses  that  will  receive  and  enter- 
tain the  preachers.  After  sending  brother  Hutt  to  Peters- 
burg, it  was,  by  a  majority  of  the  preachers  present,  judged 
most  prudent  to  hold  the  conference  at  the  place  just  men- 
tioned. 

Monday,  24.  About  thirty  preachers  were  collected  toge- 
ther. I  am  crowded  too  much  for  my  head  and  heart :  when 
I  sit  and  hear  people  talk  on  unprofitable  subjects,  it  clouds 
my  head  and  grieves  my  spirit,  even  if  1  say  nothing. 

Tuesday,  25.  We  opened  our  conference,  and  had  great 
siftings  and  searchings,  especially  on  the  subject  of  slavery. 
The  preachers,  almost  unanimously,  entered  into  an  agreement 
and  resolution  not  to  hold  slaves  in  any  State  where  the  law 
will  allow  them  to  manumit  them,  on  pain  of  forfeiture  of  their 
honour  and  their  place  in  the  itinerant  connexion;  and  in  any 
State  where  the  law  will  not  admit  of  manumission,  they  agreed 
to  pay  them  the  worth  of  their  labour,  and  when  they  die  to 
leave  them  to  some  person  or  persons,  or  the  society,  in  trust, 
to  bring  about  their  liberty.  After  raising  and  applying  what 
money  we  could,  (which  was  about  £oO,)  we  calculated  that 


248 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Dec,  1794. 


one-fourth  of  the  preachers  at  this  conference  had  received 
for  their  salary  the  past  year  about  £10  ;  one-half  from  about 
12  to  £15,  and  one-fourth  their  full  quarterage,  (sixty-four 
dollars.)  We  had  great  peace,  and  not  one  preacher  objected 
to  his  station.  We  sent  an  apology  to  our  brethren  in  Peters- 
burg for  not  having  held  conference  there,  according  to  ap- 
pointment, for  reasons  already  assigned.  We  were  greatly 
obliged  to  our  friends  in  Greenville  for  accommodating  the 
conference.  Men  and  horses  were  well  entertained — all  for 
love. 

Monday,  December  1.  I  rode  twenty-seven  miles,  and  on 
Tuesday,  2,  I  preached  at  F.  B  's,  twelve  miles  from  Pe- 
tersburg. 

Wednesday,  3.  Came  to  J.  Smith's,  and  had  a  comfortable 

season.    Brother  S  has  been  on  the  verge  of  eternity,  and 

was  blessed  with  delightful  prospects  of  glory,  but  the  Lord 
has  raised  him  up  again. 

Thursday,  4.  Came  to  Grave's  chapel,  very  unwell;  here 
lived  brother  Lewis  Lloyd,  who  left  this  world  this  year.  He 
was  an  old  preacher,  and  professed  perfect  love  fifteen  years 
before  his  death,  and  finally  departed  in  the  triumphs  of  faith. 

Friday,  5.  I  preached  at  Rivers's  chapel,  and  made  it 
twenty  miles  by  the  time  I  reached  brother  Petham's  in 
Greenville.  I  was  heavy  in  body  and  spirit.  I  am  not  con- 
scious of  having  sinned,  yet  I  suffer  on  account  of  the  people. 
I  delighted  myself  in  reading  some  of  Doddridge's  Sermons 
to  Young  People.    To  the  young  persons  present  I  preached 

at  brother  P  's  on  Saturday ;  and  on  Sunday,  *I,  rode 

twenty-eight  or  thirty  miles  to  brother  Paup's,  on  Roses  Creek, 
where  I  enlarged  on  Peter's  fall.  Our  burdensome  stone, 
Ebenezer,  now  gives  us  some  trouble  and  care.  If  we  can 
employ  good  men,  keep  up  discipline,  and  maintain  credit,  it 
may  come  to  something. 

Monday,  8.  I  performed  the  funeral  rites  of  sister  W  , 

on  Waquae  Creek,  Brunswick  county.  We  had  a  full  house 
of  unfeeling  people,  and  the  word  of  the  Lord  was  a  burden. 
I  opened  the  Bible  on  Jer.  xiv,  10.    Let  any  one  read  it  as 


Dec,  1794.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


240 


an  awful  portion ;  it  may  be  it  is  as  true  to  these  people  as  it 
was  to  Israel.  I  had  a  meeting  with  the  trustees  of  Ebenezev 
school.  Matters  are  very  discouraging;  people  in  general 
care  too  little  for  the  education  of  their  children. 

Tuesday,  9.  Preached  at  Williams's  meeting-house.  These 
arc  a  poor  people,  not  impoverished  with  slaves ;  but  they 
have  a  good  meeting-house,  with  a  glass  window  behind  the 
pulpit,  so  that  we  can  see  to  read  without  raising  a  shutter 
and  receiving  all  the  wind  that  comes,  though  this  is  in  Lunen- 
burg county,  near  Mother  Ogburn's,  where  we  used  to  have 
our  melting  seasons  twenty  years  ago.  We  dined  with  the 
gracious  aged  people,  and  in  the  evening  crossed  Meherrin, 
and  came  to  S.  Holmes's,  an  ancient  stand  in  Mecklenburg. 
Next  day  I  preached  at  Salem,  where  there  is  the  best  house 
we  have  in  the  country  part  of  Virginia.  In  this  neighbour- 
hood there  has  been  a  society  standing  for  twenty-one  years. 
Rode  in  the  evening  to  brother  Spedd's — rich  and  full,  and  a 
friend  to  freedom. 

Thursday,  11.  Preached  and  administered  the  sacrament 
at  Youngs's  chapel ;  and  came  in  the  evening  to  T.  Jones's. 
Dear  sister  Jones  is  gone  to  rest,  after  two  years  of  deep  afflic- 
tion. She  has  had  a  painful  journey  through  life ;  but  her 
persecutions  and  troubles  are  now  at  an  end,  and  heaven  will 
compensate  for  all.  She  made  choice  of  Job  iii,  17,  for  her 
funeral  text ;  and  with  great  deliberation  disposed  of  her  pro- 
perty. I  preached  her  funeral  on  Friday,  12th,  and  found  it 
a  serious  day  to  me.  I  never  saw  her  more  than  twice  or 
thrice,  and  we  have  interchanged  a  few  letters.  She  was 
doubtless  a  woman  of  sense,  vivacity,  and  grace.  She  wrote 
to  admiration — all  in  raptures.  She  would  pray  in  any  place, 
and  before  any  people ;  she  reproved  with  pointed  severity, 
and  sung  with  great  sweetness. 

North  Carolina. — Saturday,  13.  We  crossed  Roanoak, 
and  came  to  Mr.  Smith's,  in  Granville  county.  On  Sunday, 
16th,  crossed  Mountain  and  Grassy  Creeks,  and  came  to  bro- 
ther Owens's,  whose  wife  is  a  true  daughter  of  D.  Grant,  my 
dear  old  friend  in  Georgia.    He  was  among  the  last  fruits  of 


250 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Dec,  1794. 


that  great  man  Mr.  Davies,  when  he  laboured  in  Hanover,  in 
Virginia,  forty  years  ago. 

Monday,  ]  5.  Crossed  the  head  streams  of  Tar  River,  which 

are  only  small  branches,  and  rode  on  to  R  's,  (where  I  had 

an  appointment ;)  and  found  I  had  another  twenty -five  miles 

forward  at  L  's :  so  I  left  brother  C  to  fill  up  my 

place,  and  went  forward  to  the  latter ;  where  I  preached  to 
about  two  hundred  people.  I  feel  weak  in  body  and  mind, 
yet  find  my  soul  stayed  upon  God.  "Still  onwards  I  go," 
fainting  yet  fighting. 

Thursday,  18.1  have  a  long  journey  to  Charleston,  (S.  C.,) 
and  but  thirteen  days  to  perform  it ;  having  appointed  to  be 
there  the  1st  of  January. 

Friday,  19.  We  rode  twenty-five  miles  through  a  powerful 
fall  of  rain ;  but  we  wrought  our  Avay  through  the  swamps, 
floating  and  sinking  as  we  went. 

Saturday,  20.  It  snowed  as  powerfully  as  it  rained  yester- 
day :  however,  we  set  out  for  Salem  about  nine  o'clock,  and 
forded  two  creeks ;  but  the  third  we  swam.  Brother  Ward 
went  in,  and  after  a  pause  I  followed  ;  but  being  cloaked  up, 
my  horse  nearly  slipped  from  under  me  :  one  foot  was  properly 
soaked.  I  Avalked  about  one  mile  and  rode  another,  and 
reached  the  town  about  twelve  o'clock,  just  as  they  were  ring- 
ing the  bell.  Feeling  the  want  of  a  fire,  I  went  to  the  tavern ; 
but  I  found  but  one  fire-place  there;  I  sat  down  with  the 
company,  and  dried  my  feet  a  little,  until  my  companions 
came  along.  I  have  need  of  power  (and  I  am  accused  of 
having  too  much)  to  stand  such  days  as  this :  my  soul  is  kept 
in  peace  and  communion  with  God  ;  and,  through  grace,  I 
will  not  murmur  at  my  sufferings  whilst  the  salvation  of  souls 
is  my  end  and  aim.  We  found  a  home  at  father  Hill's,  from 
Maryland,  about  three  o'clock,  having  ridden  nineteen  miles 
to-day,  and  thirty  yesterday.  I  was  thankful  for  a  house  and 
friends,  and  an  opportunity  of  putting  into  port.  It  is  a  com- 
fort to  remember  there  remaineth  a  rest  for  the  people  of  God. 

Sunday,  21.  I  came  to  Cokesbury  school ;  and  after  preach- 
ing on  1  Cor.  xv,  58,  I  rode  down  to  brother  Charles  Caton's. 


Dec,  1794.] 


ASBURT'S  JOURNAL. 


251 


Here  a  few  souls  have  been  brought  to  God  since  I  was  in 
these  parts  in  May  last. 

Monday,  22.  We  were  detained  some  time  at  Long's  Ferry 

by  a  wagon,  and  a  number  of  horses.    Mrs.  entertained 

us  very  kindiy,  and  her  husband  gave  us  a  hearty  welcome 
when  he  came  home,  and  found  out  who  we  were.  It  was 
expected  by  some  that  I  should  preach  at  Salisbury,  but  I 
did  not ;  so  we  rode  on  and  reached  the  widow  B.'s  about 
eight  o'clock  at  night,  having  ridden  thirty  miles. 

Tuesday,  23.  We  set  out  at  sunrise  :  the  morning  was  cold 
and  frosty.  We  rode  ten  miles  and  fed  at  A.'s ;  thence  we 
hasted  twenty-five  miles  to  J.  R.'s,  took  a  late  dinner,  and 
rode  to  W.  R.'s,  making  upwards  of  forty  miles.  Next  day 
we  had  to  swim  Rocky  River ;  we  then  passed  Newtown,  and 
made  it  thirty  miles  to  Jackson's. 

Thursday,  25.  Christmas  day.  We  changed  our  course, 
and  took  the  grand  Camden  road  to  great  Lynch's  Creek, 
thirty  miles.  When  I  came  to  Mr.  Evans's  and  told  my  name, 
I  was  invited  to  stay ;  and  it  was  well  for  us  that  we  did. 

Friday,  26.  I  came  off  about  sunrise  ;  and  made  forty  miles 
to  Pubtius  James  Rembcrt's :  I  was  hungry,  sore,  and  very 
low-spirited  ;  here  we  found  a  warm  house,  comfortable  table, 
(which  was  very  acceptable,)  good  bed  and  fire,  with  very  kind 
friends.  Lord,  dispose  us  to  humility  before  Thee,  and  bless 
our  benefactors!  James  Rogers  and  Samuel  Cowls  were 
my  faithful  attendants.  I  hear  my  friend  John  Hughes,  of 
Charleston,  is  dead.  From  what  I  learn  of  him  in  his  last 
illness,  I  trust  the  dear  old  man  is  gone  safe.  William  Adams 
and  Captain  Darrell  of  the  same  place,  have  been  cast  away 
and  drowned  ;  strange  changes  take  place  in  a  very  short  time. 
0  my  God  !  help  me  to  be  each  moment  on  my  guard,  ready 
for  death  and  judgment.  The  land  we  came  through  yester- 
day is  poor,  and  but  thinly  settled — a  plantation  once  in  three 
or  four  miles.  The  long-leaved  lofty  pines  have  a  grand 
appearance. 

Sunday  evening,  28.  Rode  after  preaching  to  brother  Brad- 
ford's.   Monday,  29th,  to  Bowman's.  T uesday,  30th,  we  had 


252 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1795. 


to  wrestle  with  Santee  Swamp  for  three  hours,  having  to  wade 
the  flat  ground  then  under  water ;  but  through  mercy  we  got 
safe  over  at  last.  "We  hasted  on,  and  came  in  the  evening  to 
the  house  of  a  very  kind  Frenchman,  who  entertained  us  gratis. 

Wednesday,  31.  Myself  with  the  main  body  of  the  preachers 
came  into  the  city  of  Charleston.  I  felt  faint  and  unwell  after 
the  fatigues  I  had  passed  through  on  my  journey. 

Thursday,  January  1,  1795.  Being  New-Year's  day,  I  was 
called  upon  to  preach,  unwell  as  I  was,  which  I  did  on  Psalm 
xc,  12.  We  entered  on  the  business  of  our  conference,  and 
continued  until  Wednesday,  7th.  We  had  preaching  every 
night  during  the  sitting  of  conference.  It  was  the  request  of 
the  conference  that  I  should  preach  them  a  sermon  on  Tues- 
day night ;  with  which  I  complied,  and  made  choice  of  Jer. 
xxiii,  29-32.  In  times  past  I  have  endeavoured  to  keep  on 
travelling  all  the  year,  but  I  now  judge  it  meet  to  stay  in 
Charleston  a  little  longer  and  then  take  the  field:  yet  it  is 
with  fear  and  trembling. 

Sunday,  11.  Brothers  I.  C.  and  G.  being  about  to  leave 
the  city,  I  gave  place  to  them  to  perform  the  services  of  the 
Sabbath.  I  heard  part  of  a  discours_e  by  Mr.  Furman  on  par- 
tial and  total  backsliding :  I  thought,  he  spoke  well,  and  that 
it  was  an  excellent  sermon  ;  I  doubt  if  he  had  more  than 
seventy  white  hearers.  A  vast  number  in  the  city  do  not  at- 
tend to  the  worship  of  God  anywhere. 

Monday,  12.  The  remaining  members  of  the  conference 
left  the  city.  Brother  Bruce  and  myself  must  now  lay  our 
shoulders  to  the  work.  I  have  my  feelings  and  fears  about 
staying  in  Charleston  ;  but  grace  is  sufficient :  I  wish  to  give 
my  all  to  God  ;  and  whether  I  read,  write,  preach,  or  visit, 
to  do  it  all  to  his  glory  ;  and  to  employ  my  precious  time 
profitably. 

And  am  I  yet  alive,  with  death  so  near  ?  How  many  of 
my  friends  in  this  city,  and  in  other  places,  are  gone  into  eter- 
nity !    I  hear  very  little  from  the  preachers  in  the  north. 

Tuesday,  13.1  had  a  comfortable  season  in  the  church,  on  the 
words  of  St.  Paul  to  the  Galatians  :  "  Am  I  therefore  become 


Jax.,  1796.1 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


253 


your  enemy  because  I  tell  you  the  truth  ?"  In  this  discourse 
I  observed,  how  great  was  the  affection  between  the  Christian 
societies  in  ancient  Galatia  and  St.  Paul,  until  the  Judaizing 
teachers  came  in  among  them.  The  province  of  Galatia  was 
in  Lesser  Asia ;  and  when  the  ancient  Gauls,  or  Galatce, 
wanted  to  extend  their  province,  they  penetrated  through 
Italy  and  Greece,  and  went  into  Asia,  and  pillaged  the  coun- 
try as  far  south  as  Babylon  :  but  one  hundred  and  twenty 
thousand  being  defeated  by  a  handful  of  Jews  ;  and  Attalus, 
king  of  Pergamus,  having  forced  them  from  his  territory,  they 
settled  here.  Among  these  the  Gospel  was  planted  by  St. 
Paul,  Acts  xvi,  6  ;  who  had  but  just  left  the  country  when 
the  schism  began  by  means  of  the  teachers  of  the  ceremonial 
law.  In  this  Church  there  have  been  a  great  number  of 
bishops,  and  some  councils,  and  Synods  ;  but  for  near  eight 
hundred  years  the  tyranny  of  the  Mohammedans,  Saracens, 
and  Turks,  hath  almost  exterminated  the  very  name  of  Chris- 
tianity. I  observed,  1.  That  there  is  a  proper  portion  of 
truth  which  is  applicable  to  every  one's  case;  2.  That  it  is  a 
bad  sign  when  a  man  is  esteemed  an  enemy  for  telling  the 
truth,  as  if  falsehood  alone  were  pleasing. 

Wednesday,  14.  I  preached  at  brother  Wells's,  on,  "It  is 
good  for  me  that  I  have  been  afflicted,  that  I  might  learn  thy 
statutes  :"  this  cannot  be  the  language  of  any  but  gracious 
souls.  Sinners  think  all  these  things  are  against  them,  and 
wonder  what  they  have  done  more  than  others,  that  they  are 
thus  afflicted.  I  treated  of  afflictions  of  body  and  mind  ;  per- 
sonal and  family  ;  in  the  Church  and  in  the  state.  Ah  !  my 
Lord,  by  whom  shall  Jacob  arise,  for  he  is  very  small  ? 

.  Sunday,  18.  I  preached  in  the  morning  on  Exod.  xx,  the 
first  and  second  commandments.  In  the  afternoon,  on  the 
affliction  and  conversion  of  Manasseh,  2  Chron.  xxxiii,  12,  13. 
One  young  man  behaved  amiss,  for  which  I  reproved  him : 
perhaps  he  might  be  among  those  in  the  evening  who  made 
a  riot,  broke  the  windows,  and  beat  open  the  doors. 

Tuesday,  20.  I  read  Mr.  Flavel  on  keeping  the  heart ; 
where  I  found  some  weighty  sayings.    I  preached  in  the 


254 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Feb.,  1795. 


evening,  and  brother  Bruce  exhorted.    Mr.   came  home 

with  me,  pleading  and  crying  to  God,  and  acknowledging  his 
sin  :  who  knoweth  but  he  will  turn,  repent,  and  find  mercy  ? 
The  desperate  wickedness  of  this  people  grieves  and  dis- 
tresses my  soul,  so  that  I  am  almost  in  continual  heaviness  ; 
yet,  through  grace,  I  trust  I  am  kept  from  sin.  I  spent  part 
of  this  week  in  writing  and  reviewing  some  explanatory  notes 
on  our  form  of  discipline. 

Sunday,  25.  I  preached  morning  and  afternoon.  My  soul, 
at  seasons,  wadeth  through  deep  waters  for  this  city  and 
society ;  it  cannot,  in  my  opinion,  continue  long  in  its  pre- 
sent situation — perhaps  a  dispensation  of  mercy  or  judgment 
is  near. 

Wednesday,  28.  I  finished  reading  the  History  of  the  French 
Revolution,  containing  about  eight  hundred  pages;  and  a  sur- 
prising history  it  is.  They  have  had  heavy  struggles  with 
monarchy,  aristocracy,  and  democracy ;  and  have  had  martyrs 
of  each  and  every  form. 

Thursday,  29.  I  am  sensible  of  not  being  enough  in 
prayer  ;  this  gives  me  pain.  There  came  on  a  violent,  awful 
storm  of  rain,  and  what  should  I  do  upon  the  road  in  such 
weather?  Charleston  is,  to  me,  one  of  the  most  serious 
places  I  ever  was  in. 

Saturday  31.  I  was  in  a  most  distressed,  gloomy  state  of 
body  and  mind.  I  employed  myself  in  reading,  writing,  and 
prayer — but  very  uncomfortably. 

Sunday,  February  1. 

"  Still  heavy  is  my  heart, 
Still  sink  my  spirits  down." 

I  went  to  the  church,  and  lectured  on  the  second  table  of  the 
law ;  attending  particularly  to  our  Lord's  comment  on  each 
precept.  In  the  afternoon  I  enlarged  on  Jer.  xxxi,  33  ;  and 
I  do  hope  there  was  some  stir  in  the  hearts  of  the  people :  I 
had  an  afflictive  night,  by  the  labours  of  the  day.  I  began 
reading  "  Bcrridge's  Christian  World  Unmasked."  How  like 
the  man  and  his  conversation,  which  I  heard  by  the  hour 
thirty  years  ago !   I  think  there  is  some  tartness  in  his  Chris- 


Feb.,  1795.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


255 


tian  remarks  on  the  Checks,  and  dear  Mr.  Fletcher,  of  whom 
I  have  heard  Mr.  Berridge  speak  in  terms  of  very  great  re- 
spect. I  was  insulted  on  the  pavement  with  some  as  horrible 
sayings  as  could  come  out  of  a  creature's  mouth  on  this  side 
of  hell.  When  I  pray  in  my  room  with  a  few  poor  old  women, 
those  who  walk  the  streets  will  shout  at  me.  The  unparal- 
leled wickedness  of  the  people  of  this  place,  and  the  spirit  of 
contention  among  the  professors  of  religion,  most  severely 
agitate  my  mind.  I  now  spend  my  time  in  running  hastily 
through  the  first  volume  of  the  Hebrew  Bible. 

Thursday,  5.  I  was  deeply  dejected.  I  have  been  lately 
more  subject  to  melancholy  than  for  many  years  past ;  and 
how  can  I  help  it :  the  white  and  worldly  people  are  in- 
tolerably ignorant  of  God ;  playing,  dancing,  swearing,  racing  ; 
these  are  their  common  practices  and  pursuits.  Our  few 
male  members  do  not  attend  preaching ;  and  I  fear  there  is 
hardly  one  who  walks  with  God :  the  women  and  Africans 
attend  our  meetings,  and  some  few  strangers  also.  Perhaps 
it  may  be  necessary  for  me  to  know  how  wicked  the  world  is, 
in  order  that  I  may  do  more  as  a  president  minister.  There 
is  some  similarity  between  my  stay  here  and  at  Bath  in 
Virginia.  0  how  I  should  prize  a  quiet  retreat  in  the 
woods ! 

In  Mr.  Wesley's  Journal,  Vol.  I.,  page  154,  I  find  he  ob- 
serves, "  I  set  myself  carefully  to  read  N.  Machiavel's  cele- 
brated book.    I  began,"  says  Mr.  WT  ,  "  with  a  prejudice 

in  his  favour,  having  been  often  informed  he  had  been  mis- 
understood and  greatly  misrepresented ;  I  weighed  the 
sentiments  it  contained  ;  compared  one  passage  with  another, 
and  endeavoured  to  form  a  cool,  impartial  judgment ;  and  my 
most  deliberate  judgment  is,  that  if  all  the  other  doctrines  of 
devils  which  have  been  committed  to  writing  since  letters 
were  in  the  world  were  collected  together  in  one  volume,  it 
would  fall  short  of  this  ;  and  should  a  prince  form  himself  by 
this  book,  so  openly  recommending  hypocrisy,  treachery, 
lying,  robbery,  oppression,  adultery,  and  murder  of  all  kinds, 
Domitian  or  Nero  would  be  angels  of  light  compared  to  that 


256 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Feb.,  1*795 . 


man."     No  wonder  that  Doctor   should  say  that  the 

Methodist  preachers  were  men  of  true  Machiavelian  prin- 
ciples :  judge,  reader.  This  is  the  justice,  this  is  the  mercy, 
we  are  to  expect  from  some  priests :  and  why  ?  because  we 
spoil  their  reading  trade. 

Sunday,  8.  I  preached  on  Psalm  viii,  4.  Brother  Brace 
entertained  us  on,  "  That  your  faith  should  not  stand  in  the 
wisdom  of  men,  but  in  the  power  of  God."  I  met  the  so- 
ciety, read  the  Rules  of  Discipline,  and  gave  a  close  talk  about 
conformity  to  the  world.  I  have  now  finished  the  first  volume 
of  Mr.  Wesley's  Journal.  I  admire  his  candour  and  the 
soundness  of  his  sentiments  ;  but  I  need  say  but  little,  as  it 
will  be  shortly  published  and  speak  for  itself. 

Monday,  9.  The  people  have  high  work  below  stairs  laid 
off  for  each  day  this  week.  The  western  regiment  parades 
to-day,  the  eastern  to-morrow  ;  Wednesday  is  the  President's 
birth- day  ;  Thursday,  Friday,  and  Saturday,  come  on  the 
races.  I  intend  to  keep  close  to  my  room,  except  when  at- 
tending meetings  in  the  evenings.  I  am  in  the  furnace  ;  may 
I  come  out  purified  like  gold  !  It  is  a  dark  Providence  holds 
me  here.  Mr.  Phillips  is  here,  and  in  want  of  money.  Our 
friends  opened  their  hearts  and  gave  him  twenty  or  thirty 
dollars.  He  is  not  clear  on  Original  Sin  ;  so  that  we  cannot, 
and  dare  not  employ  him  ;  yet,  notwithstanding  his  senti- 
ments, I  hope  he  is  a  good  man :  but,  good  or  bad,  he  ought 
not  to  starve. 

Monday,  16.  I  rode  out  to  take  the  air ;  and  saw  the  wan- 
dering air-balloon.  I  am  persuaded  there  are  gracious  souls 
1 1 ni dug  Mr.  Hammett's  people  ;  some  of  whom  have  left  him, 
and  will,  perhaps,  return.  I  was  employed  in  reading  Mr. 
Wesley's  Journal ;  and  I  am  now  convinced  of  the  great 
difficulty  of  journalizing.  Mr.  Wesley  was,  doubtless,  a  man 
of  very  general  knowledge,  learning,  and  reading,  to  which 
we  may  add  a  lively  wit  and  humour ;  yet,  I  think  I  see  too 
much  credulity,  long,  flat  narrations,  and  coarse  letters  taken 
from  others,  in  his  Journal :  but  when  I  come  to  his  own 
thoughts,  they  are  lively,  sentimental,  interesting,  and  in- 


Feb.,  1795.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


251 


structing.  The  Journal  of  a  minister  of  the  Gospel  should 
be  theological :  only  it  will  be  well  to  wink  at  many  things 
we  see  and  hear,  since  men's  feelings  grow  more  and  more 
refined. 

Sunday,  22.  I  had  no  small  inflammation  in  my  ear;  yet 
after  I  got  to  preaching,  I  was  long  and  loud,  warm,  and 
very  pointed  :  our  congregations  are  uncommonly  large.  I 
was  recollecting,  by  the  help  of  Mr.  Wesley's  Journal,  how 
long  it  had  been  since  I  became  acquainted  with  the  Method- 
ists. I  was  awakened,  (as  I  think,)  when  about  thirteen 
years  six  months  old ;  at  the  age  of  sixteen  I  began  to  read 
and  pray  in  the  public  congregation  ;  one  year  six  months 
after  this,  publicly  to  exhort  and  expound  God's  holy  word  ; 
at  twenty-one  I  travelled  much  ;  and  in  the  beginning  of  my 
twenty-second  year,  I  travelled  altogether.  I  was  nine  months 
in  Staffordshire,  and  other  adjoining  shires  ;  two  years  in 
Bedfordshire  circuit,  and  two  in  Salisbury  circuit. 

Mr.  Wesley,  in  his  Journal,  seems  to  think  that  the  cause 
of  the  hinderance  of  the  work  of  God  is  wholly  and  entirely 
in  man.  But  may  we  not  ask,  with  reverence,  hath  not  God 
sometimes,  for  his  own  purposes,  withheld  his  power,  that  no 
flesh  might  glory  in  his  sight,  but  feel  that  he  is  all  in  all  ? 

Wednesday,  25.  We  had  a  love-feast  for  the  Africans,  and 
many  gave  in  their  experiences  with  life. 

In  the  evening  we  had  a  love-feast  for  the  whites.  I  have 
had  a  long  stay  here,  and  now  rejoice  in  the  hope  of  going 
again  into  the  field  to  work.  Nothing  would  have  kept  me 
here  but  the  hope  of  preserving  my  health  the  other  ten 
months  of  the  year ;  which  will  enable  me  to  run  through 
North  and  South  Carolina,  the  New  Territory,  Virginia,  Ma- 
ryland, Delaware,  Pennsylvania,  Jersey,  New-York,  Connec- 
ticut, Rhode  Island,  Massachusetts,  Province  of  Maine,  New 
Hampshire,  Vermont,  and  sometimes  Kentucky. 

Friday,  27,  wc  observed  as  a  general  fast.  I  was  weak  in 
body  and  afflicted  with  the  headache ;  yet  I  met  the  people 
in  the  church,  and  read  Joel  ii,  12-18.  I  prayed;  I  wept 
before  the  Lord.    I  fasted  from  two  o'clock  on  Thursday 


258 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Mmi.,  1795. 


until  half-past  five  on  Friday.  I  wish  we  could  have  solemn 
monthly  fasts,  and  love-feasts  before  sacrament.  I  hope  the 
Lord  will  look  upon  us  generally  throughout  the  continent, 
and  take  away  our  reproach. 

Mr.  Wesley  lived  to  see  two  general  revivals  of  religion — 
one  at  the  beginning,  the  other  about  thirty-six  years  ago ; 
though,  doubtless,  they  had  generally  a  gradual  growth  of 
religion.  We  also  have  had  two  revivals — one  at  the  begin- 
ning, the  other  about  seven  years  ago.  The  third  revival 
has  now  taken  place  in  England,  and  I  hope  ours  will  soon 
follow. 

Saturday,  28.  I  attended  the  meeting  of  the  stewards, 
and  directed  that  each  of  the  three  stewards,  in  rotation, 
should  receive  and  pay  all  moneys,  for  one  third  of  the  year, 
and  then  give  place  to  another  for  the  same  time.  I  also 
appointed  a  clerk  to  attend  particularly  to  the  books. 

Sunday,  March  1.  I  preached  in  the  forenoon  and  after- 
noon ;  and  it  was  thought  the  arrows  of  the  Almighty  flew 
abroad.  We  had  a  melting  sacrament  with  white  and  co- 
loured people  :  about  half  a  dozen  of  Mr.  Hammett's  people 
from  Trinity  attended.  The  people  have  had  much  dust  cast 
in  their  eyes  in  this  place,  but  now  they  begin  to  see  more 
clearly. 

I  am  now  about  packing  up  in  order  to  take  my  leave  of 
this  city.  I  am  sure  faithful  preaching  will  be  blest.  I  have 
effectually  worn  myself  out,  and  I  feared  we  should  not  have 
strength  to  ride  over  the  barren  sands.  We  accordingly  set 
out,  and  rode  twenty-two  miles  to  G.'s  ;  tried  it  since  I  have 
been  here.  My  parting  subject  was  1  Cor.  xvi,  23,  24  :  the 
congregation  was  very  large  ;  and  if  the  people  are  prudent, 
and  the  preachers  faithful,  we  shall  have  a  work  in  this  place. 
The  poor  Africans  brought  their  blessings,  and  wishes,  and 
prayers.  Dear  souls !  May  th#  Lord  provide  them  pastors 
after  his  own  heart ! 

Thursday,  5.  I  left  this  seat  of  wickedness,  not  without 
both  grief  and  joy.  I  never  saw  so  great  a  prospect  here, 
and  doubt  if  there  hath  been  such  an  one  since  the  place  was 


Mar.,  1795.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


259 


first  settled.  We  crossed  Ashly  River  about  ten  miles  from 
town.  Here  was  a  bridge  of  value,  which  was  so  damaged 
by  the  worms  and  barnacles,  that  it  stood  only  two  years. 
Sister  G.,  her  family,  and  a  wagon  Avere  on  it  when  it  gave 
way ;  it  sunk  with  them  into  the  water,  but  they  received  no 
injury.  We  rode  thirty-five  miles,  eating  some  biscuit  with 
a  little  wine  and  water,  and  came  to  Mr.  Eccles's,  Beach  Hill, 
near  Edisto  River.  I  was  somewhat  wearied,  but  happy  in 
my  solitary  retreat.  I  think  I  have  not  spent  my  time  in  vain 
in  Charleston.  First,  I  have  had  near  as  many  hearers  as  I 
could  have  found  in  the  country.  Secondly,  there  hath  been 
real  fruit  among  the  white  and  coloured  people  ;  and  such  as 
may,  with  care,  be  preserved.  I  gave  them  a  sermon  at 
Squire  Eccles's  near  two  hours  long.  My  soul  has  peace  ;  and 
by  the  help  of  God  I  must  hasten  eastward  and  heavenward. 

Saturday,  1.  We  came  to  Lindsey's  ;  and  after  preaching 
to  about  sixty  people,  had  to  ride  twelve  miles  to  Cattle 
Creek  after  four  o'clock.  Nor  was  that  the  worst.  A  storm 
of  thunder  and  rain  came  on,  and  had  we  not  stopped,  we 
should  have  been  steeped  from  head  to  foot. 

Sunday,  8.  We  had  about  four  hundred  people  at  the 
church,  among  whom  were  a  few  that  loved  and  feared  God  ; 
and  many  that  are  stupid,  and  have  become  hardened  under 
the  preaching  of  the  gospel.  I  spent  Monday,  9,  at  brother 
M.'s,  and  felt  the  society  in  the  city  near  my  heart. 

Wednesday,  11.  We  rode  to  S.'s,  where  I  gave  them  a 
long  talk  on,  "  The  grace  of  God  that  bringeth  salvation,"  &c. 
I  thought  the  weather  was  too  fine  to  continue  so  long  ;  so 
we  made  a  push  and  rode  eighteen  miles  to  P.'s  at  the  Ponds  ; 
where  we  supped  and  breakfasted  at  our  own  expense,  and 
bought  provision  for  our  horses.  About  midnight  the  rain 
began  to  patter  on  the  long  shingles.  What  could  we  do  ? 
If  we  stayed,  our  provision  would  be  where  we  stopped  to 
eat  and  feed;  and  then  rode  eighteen  miles  more  to  the 
widow  Pope's,  on  Little  Seleuda. 

Saturday,  14.  I  came  to  A.'s  chapel;  but  the  weather 
was  so  exceedingly  cold,  and  the  house  so  open,  that  we  went 


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ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Mar.,  1*795. 


to  the  dwelling  house,  where  I  preached  and  prayed,  and 
(the  people  said)  stormed  and  scolded.  When  meeting  was 
over,  I  saw  the  new  still-house,  which,  as  George  Fox  said, 
"  struck  at  my  life ;"  and  we  found  it  necessary  to  deal 

plainly  with  brother  about  his  distillery,  and  to  tell  him 

what  we  apprehended  would  be  the  consequence  if  persisted 
in.  Its  natural  tendency  would  be  to  corrupt  his  family,  and 
the  neighbourhood  ;  and  to  destroy  the  society.  0,  that  the 
Snare  of  Satan  may  be  forever  broken !  We  came  to  G.'s 
meeting-house,  where  we  had  as  wild  and  disorderly  a  con- 
gregation as  could  well  be  without  words  and  blows.  I 
preached  a  little,  and  stormed  a  great  deal ;  but  all  would 
not  do.  It  was  an  awful  day  to  me ;  but  I  hope  my  labour 
was  not  wholly  in  vain.  I  lodged  at  D.  Earpes's,  who  came 
from  Berkley  to  Seleuda,  and  has  been  a  preacher  twenty 
years.  I  ordained  him  deacon,  and  joined  his  daughter  to  a 
husband.  Thence  I  came  to  J.'s,  where  was  another  wedding. 
I  had  work  enough — the  bishop — the  wedding.  I  could 
hardly  keep  them  serious.  I  preached  on  Isa.  xxxv,  3-7, 
and  had  an  open  time. 

Wednesday,  18.  I  rode  to  R  's,  and  preached. 

Thursday,  19,  and  the  two  following  days,  we  had  work 
enough  to  write  subscription  papers,  to  be  sent  abroad  for 
the  purpose  of  collecting  one  hundred  pounds  to  finish  Bethel 
school,  and  secure  the  land  :  but  my  expectations  are  small ; 
the  people  have  so  little  sense  of  God  and  religion.  Satur- 
day, I  opened  the  new  house  on  1  Thess.  v,  14  ;  and  on 
Sunday  we  had  a  sermon  and  love-feast. 

Tuesday,  24.  Crossed  Enoree,  at  Anderson's  Ford,  in  a 
canoe  ;  and  Tyger  at  Crenshaw's  Ford,  and  came  to  brother 

G  's,  near  the  Fish-Dam  ford,  on  Broad  River.    What  a 

confluence  of  waters  flows  into  the  Santee  in  about  two  hun- 
dred miles,  on  a  straight  line,  from  the  mouth ;  and  in  its 
meanders,  three  hundred  or  more  ! 

Wednesday,  25.  I  preached  and  administered  the  sacra- 
ment at  a  store  near  the  Fish-Dam  ford.  This  part  of  the 
country  hath  been  settled  about  forty  years. 


Apr.,  1795.] 


ASBURY-S  JOURNAL. 


'2(31 


Thursday,  26.  I  found  some  assistance  on  Jer.  xxxi,  34,  35, 
at  Gregory's  meeting-house,  in  the  woods  ;  and  I  hope  it 
was  not  altogether  in  vain.  Last  night  I  spent  an  hour  with 
the  blacks  in  their  quarters,  and  it  was  well  received  by  them. 
It  will  never  do  to  meet  them  with  the  whites.  By  this 
means  our  preachers  lose  all  their  fruit.  Many  reasons  might 
be  assigned  for  this.  0,  my  soul,  rest  in  the  Lord  from  mo- 
ment to  moment !  All  the  places  I  have  visited  this  week 
are  new,  and  I  hope  the  Lord  will  work  at  some,  or  all  of 
them.  I  exhorted  our  people  to  teach  their  slaves  to  read  ; 
(this  is  greatly  wanting ;)  they  would  then  understand  preach- 
ing much  better.    We  crossed  Pacolet,  and  came  to  P  's. 

My  mind  was  under  deep  exercises  on  account  of  the  state 
of  religion  in  this  neighbourhood. 

Sunday,  29.  Was  an  awful  day — perhaps  the  most  awful 
I  shall  ever  spend  in  this  place.  My  comfort  was  in  the 
woods  with  the  Lord. 

Monday,  30.  I  rode  forty  miles  to  M  's.    My  body  is 

weak,  and  so  is  my  faith  for  this  part  of  the  vineyard.  God 
is  my  portion,  saith  my  soul.  This  country  improves  in  cul- 
tivation, wickedness,  mills,  and  stills ;  a  ■prophet  of  strong 
drink  would  be  acceptable  to  many  of  these  people.  I  be- 
lieve that  the  Methodist  preachers  keep  clear,  both  by  pre- 
cept and  example ;  would  to  God  the  members  did  so  too  ! 
Lord,  have  pity  on  weeping,  bleeding  Zion ! 

Wednesday,  April  1.  We  rode  thirty  miles  through  a  bar- 
ren country,  and  came,  weak  and  hungry,  to  brother  B  's 

clean,  comfortable  house  ;  and  had  all  things  agreeable.  I 
find  it  hard  to  ride  eight  or  nine  hours  without  any  other 
nourishment  but  a  little  bread  and  tea. 

Friday,  3.  Was  a  rainy  day.  I  had  some  talk  with  a  few 
blacks,  and  was  comfortable  and  happy.  We  lose  much  by 
not  meeting  these  people  alone.  I  find,  generally,  that  those 
who  are  held  by  professors  of  religion  are  hard  to  move. 

Noktii  Carolina. — Saturday  and  Sunday,  4,  5.  Quar- 
terly meeting  at  Daniel  Asbury's  meeting-house.  I  notice 
many  attend  preaching   at   such    times   as   these,  who 


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appear  wild,  and  do  not  know  how  to  behave  themselves.  In 
the  afternoon  I  met  the  poor  blacks  by  themselves,  and  was 
greatly  blessed. 

Monday,  6.  We  crossed  Catabaw,  rode  thirty-five  miles, 
and  came  to  brother  Fitzhugh's,  where  we  met  with  kind 
treatment  to  sweeten  the  bitter  cup  of  a  hard  and  hungry 
day's  ride. 

Thursday,  9.  Crossed  Hunting  Creek,  and  came  to  A  's 

meeting-house  in  Surry  county.  Here  I  had  near  three  hun- 
dred hearers,  to  whom  I  preached  on  Heb.  v,  12-14,  and 
had  more  enlarged  views  of  this  subject  than  I  ever  had  be- 
fore. We  have  had  a  good  work  here  ;  fifty  souls  are  lately 
brought  in  ;  appearances  are  greatly  changed  for  the  better 
since  I  was  here  eleven  months  ago. 

Friday,  10.  We  came  to  G  's,  in  Wilkes  county.  I 

feel  awful ;  I  fear  lest  darkness  should  be  felt  here.  Ah, 
Lord,  help  me  to  go  through  good  and  evil  report ;  prosperity 
and  adversity  ;  storms  and  calms  ;  kindness  and  unkindness ; 
friends  and  enemies  ;  life  and  death,  in  the  spirit  and  practice 
of  the  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ ! 

Sunday,  12.  I  preached  the  funeral  of  grandmother  G  , 

aged  eighty-seven  or  eighty-eight  years. 

Monday,  13.  We  took  our  acceptable  departure;  I  cannot 
live  where  God  is  not  acknowledged.  I  passed  through  the 
heart  of  Wilkes  county.  Here  is  a  poor  prospect  of  religion 
among  all  sects.  We  came  in  the  evening  to  the  house  of  a 
poor,  honest  man.  Bless  God !  we  can  embrace  the  poor 
cabins,  and  find  shelter.  The  people  are  kind  and  free  with 
what  they  have. 

Wednesday,  15.  I  preached  on  Heb.  iv,  1,  to  many  people, 
collected  from  various  parts,  at  brother  White's,  on  John's 
River,  and  was  greatly  assisted. 

Tlmrsday,  16.  We  had  preaching,  and  were  engaged  in 
writing  letters  and  copying  the  minutes.  My  soul  enjoys 
sweet  peace ;  but  I  see  an  awful  danger  of  losing  that  simple 
walking  and  living  in  the  enjoyment  of  God. 

Friday,  17,  I  observed  as  a  day  of  rigid  fasting;  this  I 


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263 


cannot  do  more  than  once  a  month.  I  am  frequently  obliged 
to  go  on  three  cups  of  tea,  with  a  little  bread,  for  eight  or  nine 
hours,  and  to  ride  many  miles,  and  preach,  and  perform  my 
other  ministerial  labours. 

Sunday,  19.  We  had  a  crowded  congregation,  and  a  moving 
season  at  the  sacrament.  Monday  and  Tuesday  we  directed 
our  course  up  John's  River. 

Wednesday,  22.  Crossed  the  Ridge,  and  kept  on  to  the 
westward.  We  went  Major  J.  White's  path,  and  found  it 
abundantly  better  than  the  old  one.  We  reached  the  top  of 
the  Ridge  in  about  six  miles — here  we  found  ourselves  among 
fruitful  hills ;  then  we  had  a  good  path  for  six  miles  more, 
except  where  there  were  some  laurel  branches  and  roots.  We 

stopped  at  S  's  ;  and  it  was  well  we  did,  or  Ave  should  have 

been  well-nigh  starved,  both  man  and  horse.    I  went  on  to 

D  's,  and  thence  to  Nelson's,  where  I  met  with  brothers 

I'  ,  A  ,  and  W  ,  ancient  men  among  us.    I  stood 

the  fatigue,  and  sleeping  three  in  a  bed,  better  than  I  expected. 
From  White's  to  Nelson's  is  eighty  miles.  We  crossed  the 
Wattawba  about  twenty  times.  At  supper  we  .ate  of  the  perch 
that  are  taken  in  great  plenty  from  Smith's  fish  spring.  I 
judge  there  must  be  a  subterraneous  communication  from 
that  to  the  river.  I  felt  uncomfortable  in  my  mind,  as  I  feared 
the  Lord  had  left  this  place.  I  was  led  to  speak  with  life  and 
power  on,  "  Will  ye  also  go  away  ?"  I  spent  a  night  with  bro- 
ther Whitaker ;  I  wish  his  wife  may  not  love  him  to  death. 

Tennessee. —  Monday  27.  We  hasted  to  F.  Earnest's,  on 
Nolachucky  River ;  where  we  hold  our  western  conference. 
Here  six  brethren  from  Kentucky  met  us,  and  we  opened  our 
conference  with  twenty-three  preachers,  fifteen  of  whom  were 
members.  We  received  every  man's  account  of  himself  and 
his  late  labours  ;  and  inquired  of  each  man's  character  among 
his  brethren.  Our  business  was  conducted  with  great  love 
and  harmony.  Our  brethren  have  built  a  meeting-house,  and 
I  must  needs  preach  the  first  sermon  ;  which  I  did  on  Exod. 
xx,  24.  Notwithstanding  it  was  a  time  of  great  scarcity,  we 
were  well  and  most  kindly  entertained. 


'JG4 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1795. 


Friday,  May  L  We  rode  thirty  miles  to  Holstein,  without 
food  for  man  or  horse  :  but  when  we  came  to  brother  Baker's 
we  had  food  and  friendship.  My  feelings  were  disagreeable. 
In  addition  to  the  heat  of  the  Avcather  and  the  fatigue  I  have 
gone  through,  I  have  not  slept  five  hours  a  night,  one  night 
with  another,  for  five  nights  past. 

Saturday,  2.  On  our  way  we  called  to  see  father  A.,  where 
we  fed  and  prayed ;  and  in  the  evening  reached  Abingdon, 
being  the  time  and  place  of  the  sitting  of  the  district  court. 

Virginia. — Sunday,  3.  I  gave  them  a  sermon,  and  although 
it  was  so  public  a  time,  we  had  great  decency  in  the  congrega- 
tion.   Rode  thirteen  miles  in  the  evening. 

Monday,  4.  We  rode  thirty-five  miles  to  the  head  branches 
of  the  main  Holstein,  and  the  next  day  reached  Alfred's,  on 
New  River. 

Wednesday,  6.  We  rode  to  Peperc's  ferry,  and  made  it 
thirty-five  miles  to  M'Daniel's.  Thursday,  we  rode  to  bro- 
ther W.'s,  near  Fincastlc,  thirty-eight  miles :  the  toils  of  this 
journey  have  been  great,  the  weather  sultry,  the  rides  long, 
and  roads  rough.  We  suffered  from  irregularity  in  food  and 
lodging ;  although  the  people  are  very  kind,  and  give  us  the 
best  they  have,  and  that  Avithout  fee  or  reward,  so  that  I 
have  only  spent  about  two  shillings  in  riding  about  two  hun- 
dred miles.  I  hope  posterity  will  be  bettered  by  my  feeble 
efforts.  I  have  ridden  two  hundred  and  twenty  miles  in  seven 
days  and  a  half,  and  am  so  exceedingly  outdone  and  oppressed 
with  pain,  weariness,  and  want  of  sleep,  that  I  have  hardly 
courage  to  do  anything.  Hail,  happy  day  of  rest !  It  draws 
nigh,  and  this  labour  and  toil  will  soon  be  at  an  end ! 

Saturday,  9.  I  conferred  with  the  travelling  and  local 
preachers  at  E.  Mitchell's.  Sunday,  10,  the  preachers  and 
people  were  solemn  whilst  I  enforced  "  Grieve  not  the  Holy 
Spirit  of  God." 

Monday,  11.  I  rode  forty  miles  to  Mr.  Blaker's  at  (lie  Calf 
Pasture,  and  the  next  day  thirty-five  to  Moore's.  Wednes- 
day, 13,  rode  twenty-four  miles  to  Rocktown,  and  preached  at 
three  o'clock;  and  again  the  next  day.    Here  I  met  the 


May,  1195.]  ASBURYS  JOURNAL. 


265 


trustees  of  our  school,  to  whom  I  read  my  Thoughts  on  Edu- 
cation. In  the  evening  I  left  the  town;  and  on  Friday,  15, 
rode  forty  miles. 

Saturday,  16.  I  had  a  hard  push  to  Newtown  quarterly 
meeting,  where,  after  delivering  a  short  discourse,  I  held  a 
conference  with  the  local  preachers  and  leaders.  I  enjoyed 
myself  among  these  people ;  they  are  not  quite  as  lively  as 
heretofore,  but  God  is  still  with  them.  Sabbath  day,  after 
sacrament,  love-feast,  and  ordination,  I  preached  with  some 
freedom  on  2  Peter  iii,  17,  18.  Upon  the  whole,  my  soul  is 
refreshed  ;  although  I  have  been  on  the  run,  and  have  written 
none  in  my  Journal  for  more  than  a  week. 

Monday,  1 8.  We  rode  to  Charlestown,  Jefferson  county,  and 
lodged  with  a  pious  physician.    Next  morning  breakfasted 

with  J.  H  ,  and  then  came  to  Harper's  Ferry,  where  the 

impending  rocks  impress  the  mind  of  the  traveller  with  terror ; 
and  should  they  fall,  would  crush  him  to  pieces  :  this  scene  is 
truly  awful  and  romantic.  We  came  to  S.  Phillip's,  but  were 
not  expected  until  next  week :  so  I  directed  my  course  to 
Baltimore. 

Maryland. —  Wednesday,  20.  I  passed  Fredericktown ; 
thence  to  Libertytown,  where  I  stopped,  conversed,  and 
prayed,  and  then  came  on  to  brother  Warfield's,  thirty  miles. 

Thursday,  2 1 .  We  set  out  for  Baltimore  ;  the  rain  came  on 
very  heavily ;  I  have  not  felt,  nor  seen  such,  since  the  sixth 
of  March,  since  which  time  I  have  ridden  about  one  thousand 
two  hundred  miles.  This  day  I  heard  of  the  death  of  one, 
among  my  best  friends  in  America — Judge  White,  of  Kent 
county,  in  the  state  of  Delaware.  This  news  was  attended 
with  an  awful  shock  to  me.  I  have  met  with  nothing  like  it 
in  the  death  of  any  friend  on  the  continent.  Lord,  help  us  all 
to  live  out  our  short  day  to  thy  glory !  I  have  lived  days, 
weeks,  and  months  in  his  house.  O  that  his  removal  may  be 
sanctified  to  my  good  and  the  good  of  the  family !  He  was 
about  sixty-five  years  of  age.  He  was  a  friend  to  the  poor 
and  oppressed  ;  he  had  been  a  professed  Churchman,  and  was 
united  to  the  Methodist  connexion  about  seventeen  or  eighteen 

Vol.  II.— 12 


206 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[June,  1/95. 


years.  His  house  and  heart  were  always  open ;  and  he  was 
a  faithful  friend  to  liberty  in  spirit  and  practice ;  he  was  a 
most  indulgent  husband,  a  tender  father,  and  an  affectionate 
friend.  He  professed  perfect  love,  and  great  peace,  living  and 
dying. 

Sunday,  24.  I  preached  twice  in  town,  and  was  delivered 
from  my  gloomy  state  of  mind.  I  spent  part  of  the  week  in 
visiting  from  house  to  house.  I  feel  happy  in  speaking  to  all 
I  find,  whether  parents,  children,  or  servants ;  I  see  no  other 
way ;  the  common  means  will  not  do ;  Baxter,  Wesley,  and 
our  Form  of  Discipline,  say,  "  Go  into  every  house  :"  I  would 
go  farther,  and  say,  go  into  every  kitchen  and  shop  ;  address 
all,  aged  and  young,  on  the  salvation  of  their  souls. 

Wednesday,  27.  I  read  "  The  Dawn  of  Universal  Peace ;" 
and  the  second  and  third  volumes  of  Walker's  Sermons. 
Thursday,  my  mind  was  under  deep  exercises,  unknown  to 
all  but  God  alone. 

Saturday,  30.  I  met  the  Africans,  to  consult  about  build- 
ing a  house,  and  forming  a  distinct  African,  yet  Methodist 
Church. 

Friday,  June  5.  I  came  in  peace  to  Cokesbury.  Stayed 
on  Satui-day  ;  and  gave  them  a  sermon  on  (he  shortness  of 
time: — thence  came  through  dust  and  heat  to  North  East. 
Sunday,  I  preached  within  the  frame  of  a  house  that  is  begun, 
to  a  number  of  sinners. 

Monday,  8.  I  preached  twice  ;  and  came  in  the  evening  to 
Mr.  Bassett's,  on  the  Manor.  I  have  great  inward  distress  in 
my  soul.  I  felt,  when  in  prayer,  as  if  the  Lord  would  restore 
sister  Moore  to  health ;  time  will  determine  whether  the  im- 
pression is  of  the  Lord. 

Tuesday,  9.  We  hasted  on  to  Georgetown.    Some  are  of 

opinion  that  will  receive  £200  per  annum  or  more,  glebe 

subscriptions,  &c.  :  this  is  more  than  sixty-four  dollars  ;  and 
even  that  he  seldom  received  among  us.  He  was  always  very 
generous,  and  did  not  serve  us  for  money.  He  did  certainly 
run  well.  I  was  low  in  body  and  mind  ;  and  very  flat  in 
preaching.    Dear  brother  B  ,  who  attended  me  with  his 


June,  1195.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


2  6  n 


carriage  to  North  East  the  last  time  I  was  here,  is  now  gone 
to  rest.  0 !  how  short  is  the  life  of  man  !  We  must  needs 
come  on  to  Chestertown  ;  still  languid  in  body,  and  my 
spirits  under  an  awful  fit  of  dejection  at  reviewing  the  state 
of  persons  and  things.  I  was  quite  unwell,  and  crowded  with 
company :  my  subject  in  town  was  Psalm  li,  9-13.    We  then 

rode  fifteen  miles  home  with  brother  C  ;  my  body  and 

spirit  still  very  low.  0  !  my  Lord,  help  me  through  all  my 
afflictions.  Ah!  what  a  comfortable  thing  it  is  to  be  among 
the  ancient  Methodists  !  But  this  is  not  always  my  place  ;  in- 
deed, it  cannot  be. 

Thursday,  11.  Still  under  awful  depression.  I  am  not 
conscious  of  any  sin,  even  in  thought ;  but  the  imprudence 
and  unfaithfulness  of  others  bear  heavily  on  my  heart ;  I  feel 
a  degree  of  willingness  to  decline,  die,  and  enter  into  rest. 
For  the  first  time,  I  visited  Centreville,  and  preached  in  the 
new  house  :  some  of  the  people  felt  awful.  I  saw  Doctor 
Hall,  who  is  greatly  changed  since  1792,  and  under  deep  ex- 
ercise about  preaching  ;  so  that  he  cannot  attend  to  his  prac- 
tice, and  appears  to  be  lost  in  thought.  I  wrote  to  him  to 
try  Baltimore  :  it  is  a  pity  such  a  man  of  sentiment,  learning, 
and  fine  feeling,  should  be  lost.  I  rode  home  with  R.  W.  : 
he  is  rich  in  the  world,  but  wants  more  of  the  life  of  religion  ; 
he  appears  still  to  love  the  preachers,  and  the  cause  of  God. 

I  received  information  that  Doctor  M  's  wife,  before  she 

died,  manumitted  her  favourite  servant-maid :  not  long  after, 
the  Doctor  himself  was  called  away  ;  but  before  his  removal 
he  manumitted  all  his  slaves.  This  man  claimed  no  high 
Gospel  light,  and  professed  no  more  religion  than  the  gene- 
rality of  the  world  among  us  do.  I  have  a  hope  that  God  is 
preparing  me  for  greater  usefulness  in  my  latter  days.  0  how 
happy  should  I  be,  if  after  labouring  thirty  years,  as  I  some- 
times fear,  to  very  little  profit,  it  should-  hereafter  appear 
that  hundreds  have  been  converted  by  my  ministry  !  Of  late 
I  have  had  but  little  to  do,  but  pray,  preach,  ride,  converse, 
and  take  my  necessary  refreshment. 

Saturday,  13.    We  crossed  Choptank  River  at  Ennall's 


268 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [June,  1795. 


Ferry  :  we  had  nine  men,  three  horses,  and  a  carriage  on 
board,  and  a  very  indifferent  boat ;  but  through  a  kind  Provi- 
dence we  got  safe  over.  When  I  first  landed  I  felt  a  damp 
on  my  spirits,  which  I  feared  was  ominous  of  persons  and 
things.  Our  friends  were  loving  at  the  Dorset  quarterly 
meeting,  but  not  very  lively  ;  however,  there  was  some  stir  in 
the  love-feast.  At  eleven  o'clock  we  had  nearly  a  thousand 
people  collected,  but  they  are  awfully  hardened.  We  had  a 
heavy  time  :  I  felt  much  like  what  I  suppose  Jonah  felt.  We 
Avere  furnished  richly  with  the  comforts  of  life.  I  came  to 
the  dwelling-house  of  my  dear  friend  Judge  White,  (whose 
death  I  have  already  mentioned,) — it  was  like  his  funeral  to 
me.  I  learned  since  I  came  here,  and  I  think  it  worthy  of 
observation,  that  just  before  he  died,  unknown  to  his  wife,  he 
had  showed  Samuel,  his  son,  his  books,  and  given  directions 
concerning  his  house,  &c.  He  then  came  to  his  wife,  and 
said,  "  I  feel  as  I  never  felt  before,"  and  gave  certain  direc- 
tions concerning  his  burial. 

Delaware. —  Wednesday,  17.  I  had  a  solemn  season  at 
Dover.  I  spent  the  evening  with  Doctor  A.  Ridgeley,  in  the 
late  dwelling-house  of  his  father.  In  some  houses  we  serve 
the  fathers,  not  the  children;  in  some  the  children,  not  the 
fathers  ;  and  in  some  we  serve  both  parents  and  children. 

Thursday,  18.  I  preached  at  Duck-Creek  Cross-Roads, 
where  there  has  been  a  great  revival  of  religion. 

Friday,  19.  I  set  out  for  Philadelphia,  and  came  to  White- 
clay  and  Redclay  Creeks.    I  saw  my  old  friend  S.  H  ■ 

once  more.  I  must  needs  preach,  although  I  had  ridden 
thirty-five  or  forty  miles.  Next  day  I  called  at  Chester,  and 
found  my  dear  sister  Withy  unwell  and  in  trouble.  0  may  I 
meet  her  in  heaven  at  last ! 

Pennsylvania. — Sunday,  21.  I  preached  in  the  city  of 
Philadelphia  three  times,  not  with  the  success  I  would  wish. 
I  was  exceedingly  assisted  in  meeting  the  classes,  in  which  I 
spent  three  days,  and  am  now  of  opinion  that  there  is  more 
religion  among  the  society  than  I  expected.  I  trust  both 
they  and  myself  will  remember  this  visit  for  days  to  come.  I 


Jilt,  1795.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


209 


was  also  much  quickened  in  meeting  the  local  preachers  and 
leaders,  who  spoke  feelingly  of  the  state  of  their  souls  and 
the  work  of  God.  I  now  go  hence  to  meet  new  troubles, 
and  to  labour  while  feeble  life  shall  last. 

Thursday,  25.  I  rode  to  Cross-weeks. 

Friday,  26.    Although  very  poorly  I  reached  brother 

B  's.    I  was  happy  in  this  family,  and  addressed  most  of 

them  concerning  their  souls. 

New- Jersey. — Saturday,  27.  I  came  to  Elizabethtown, 
and  found  brother  Monell  (who  had  been  bled  and  physiced 
almost  to  death)  on  the  recovery.  My  troubles  are  greater 
than  ever :  my  body  is  weak,  and  my  spirits  very  low.  At 
the  request  of  my  friends,  I  stayed  in  town  until  Sunday,  and 
was  assisted  in  a  manner  I  least  expected,  in  preaching  to 
about  eighty  people,  from  1  Cor.  xv,  58  :  after  sermon  I 
called  the  society  together,  and  had  a  melting  time  in  speak- 
ing personally  to  each.  I  attended  the  Bowery  church  in 
the  afternoon  ;  and  the  minister  spoke  largely  on,  "  That  your 
faith  might  not  stand  in  the  Avisdom  of  men,  but  in  the  power* 
of  God." 

New- York. — Monday,  29.  I  came  to  New- York  the  new 
way  by  Newark  bridges,  which  are  well  established  over  Se- 
cond and  Passaic  rivers :  it  is  the  nearest  way  to  New-York, 
and  preserves  the  traveller  from  heat  in  the  summer,  and 
cold  in  the  winter ;  from  mosquitoes,  and  delays  by  winds, 
and  other  incidents.  I  began  meeting  the  women's  classes, 
and  felt  happy,  and  found  the  Lord  was  amongst  the  sisters. 

Saturday,  July  4.  Being  the  anniversary  of  Independence, 
the  bells  ringing,  drums  beating,  guns  firing,  and  orations  on 
liberty,  and  equality  too,  are  not  forgotten.  I  see  the  need 
of  being  more  watchful  among  the  best  of  men  :  a  spirit  of 
love  exists  among  the  preachers  ;  but  we  are  far  from  being 
as  spiritual  as  we  ought  to  be.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Ogden  was 
kind  enough  to  present  me  with  his  first  volume,  On  Revealed 
Religion  :  it  contains  a  soft,  yet  general  answer  to  the  deisti- 
cal,  atheistical  oracle  of  the  day,  Thomas  Paine ;  it  is  a  most 
excellent  compilation,  taken  from  a  great  number  of  ancient 


270 


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[Jilt,  1795. 


and  modern  writers  on  the  side  of  truth  ;  and  will  be  new  to 
common  readers.  So  far  as  I  have  read,  I  can  recommend  it 
to  those  who  wish  for  full  information  on  the  subject.  I  met 
the  official  members  of  the  society  ;  and  had  some  close  talk 
on  the  doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  Church  :  I  asked  if  they 
wished  to  be  Methodists  ?  But  how  could  I  suppose  anything 
else,  when  they  had  been  a  society  of  nearly  thirty  years' 
standing  ? 

Sunday,  5.  I  preached  in  Brooklyn  in  the  morning,  and 
returned  to  assist  in  the  sacrament  in  the  afternoon  at  the 
new  church  ;  I  then  met  the  black  classes ;  and  preached  at 
half-past  six  ;  I  closed  my  day's  work  by  meeting  two  men's 
classes. 

Monday,  6.  I  met  nine  classes ;  so  that  I  have  now  spoken 
to  most  of  the  members  here,  one  by  one.  I  left  the  city  in 
peace,  and  received  of  their  bounty  towards  bearing  my  ex- 
penses. We  came* to  Stamford;  where  I  preached  in  a 
private  house. 

Connecticut. — Rode  thirty-three  miles  to  Stratford  ;  the 
prospects  here  are  great  as  to  the  fruits  of  the  earth.  My 
body  was  weak,  and  my  faith  still  more  so ;  however,  I  gave 
them  a  sermon  on  John  iii,  19-21  ;  and  the  house  was  crowded 
inside  and  out. 

Friday,  10.  We  had  a  very  warm  ride,  fourteen  miles,  to 
New-Haven.  I  think  it  as  sultry  here  as  it  was  the  tenth  of 
June  in  Delaware.  Nothing  would  do  but  I  must  preach  in 
Doctor  Edwards's  meeting-house ;  which  I  did,  on  these 
words  :  "  Yea,  doubtless,  and  I  count  all  things  but  loss 
for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ  my  Lord." 

Saturday,  11.  I  came  to  Middletown  :  we  had  a  prayer- 
meeting,  and  I  spent  some  time  in  visiting  from  house  to 
house. 

Sunday,  12.  Brother  Roberts  being  indisposed,  I  had  to 
give  them  two  sermons  at  the  farms,  and  one  at  the  court- 
house. . 

Monday,  IS.  We  had  some  life  at  Middle-Haddam.  Tun- 
day,  14,  preached  at  New-London  about  six  o'clock,  where  I 


July,  1795.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


'271 


found  most  of  the  preachers  present.  Wednesday,  15,  we 
opened  our  conference,  which  consisted  of  ahout  twenty  mem- 
bers, and  sat  until  noon  on  Saturday.  We  had  great  peace 
in  our  conference ;  but  some  exercises  relative  to  the  exter- 
nals, arose  from  the  ancient  contest  about  baptism,  these 
people  being  originally  connected  with  those  that  are  of  that 
line.  O  !  what  wisdom,  meekness,  patience,  and  prudence, 
are  necessary  !  Our  brethren  were  exceedingly  kind  ;  and  I 
hope  this  conference  will  be  for  the  good  of  the  people  in  this 
place,  and  thousands  besides. 

Monday,  20.  We  took  our  leave  of  town,  and  set  off  for 
our  respective  appointments.  Two  of  our  British  brethren 
from  the  West  Indies,  Harper  and  Kingston,  who  had  fled 
here  to  save  their  lives,  (that  is,  if  possible  to  recover  their 
health.)  were  with  us :  I  was  pleased  to  see  our  preachers 
ready  to  give  their  strange  brethren  a  little  of  the  little  they 
had.  I  came  to  Norwich,  fifteen  miles,  and  preached  at  eight 
o'clock,  A.  M.,  in  the  academy,  (formerly  the  Separate  meeting- 
house.)   It  was  a  most  awful  time  of  heat. 

Rhode  Island. —  Tuesday,  21.  We  rode  twelve  miles  to 
Plainfield  ;  and  after  resting  and  feeding,  we  came  to  Coven- 
try, in  Providence.  My  fatigue  and  indisposition  made  me 
glad  to  get  to  bed.  The  people  here  have  made  some  at- 
tempts to  improve  the  state  of  the  roads ;  and  really  they 
need  it,  for  they  are  properly  made  up  of  rocks  and  stones. 

Wednesday,  22.  At  brother  L  's  I  ordained  D.  M'C  

from  Passamaquoddy ;  who  is  as  one  born  out  of  due  time. 
He  has  been  labouring  between  the  British  and  American 
boundaries.  I  consider  it  fifty  hard  miles  from  New-London 
to  General  Lippelt's  :  we  have  been  the  best  of  three  days 
riding  it,  through  the  intense  heat;  and  last  year  I  rode  it  in 
one  day.  I  feel  a  moving  towards  these  people,  as  though 
the  Lord  would  get  himself  a  name,  and  have  a  people  to 
praise  him  in  this  place.  I  feel  myself  greatly  humbled  be- 
fore the  Lord,  for  the  peace  and  union  in  our  late  conference  ; 
and  the  satisfaction  expressed  by  the  preachers  on  receiving 
their  stations. 


212 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Acq.,-1?95. 


Thursday,  23.  We  came  in  the  evening  to  Providence : 
when  we  entered  the  town,  some  drunken  fellows  raised  a 
cry  and  shout,  and  made  a  sacrifice  of  the  Methodists  to  hell. 

Mr.    is  now  pastor  of,  and  the  Tennant-house  is  shut 

against  us.  I  wished  to  ride  on,  and  not  to  stop  in  town ; 
but  Mr.  Robertson,  an  ancient  Englishman,  constrained  us  to 
turn  in  with  him.  We  dined  at  Milton ;  and  made  it  thirty 
miles  to  Boston,  where  I  preached  twice  on  the  Sabbath, 
(though  very  unwell,)  in  a  room  that  will  hold  about  two 
hundred  and  fifty  people.  It  seemed  as  if  we  hardly  had 
either  cursing  or  blessing  among  the  people  here.  I  have  no 
doubt  but  that  if  we  had  a  house,  we  should  command  a  large 
congregation ;  but  we  labour  under  great  inconveniences 
where  we  preach  at  present.  I  feel  myself  feeble  in  body 
and  faint  in  spirit ;  yet  Christ  is  mine,  and  I  hope  to  be  his 
in  time  and  forever.  Amen. 

Massachusetts. — Monday,  21.  I  rode  through  some  rain 
to  Lynn.  I  was  much  shut  up  and  distressed  in  my  public 
exercises.  My  congregations  were  large  and  lifeless.  Since 
1  have  been  in  Lynn,  I  have  visited  Woodsend  and  Graves- 
end,  met  five  classes,  visited  about  one  dozen  families,  and 
talked  to  them  personally  about  their  souls,  and  prayed  with 
Hu  m.  I  have  tilled  up  intervals  in  reading  my  Bible,  and 
the  second  volume  of  Mr.  Wesley's  Sermons.  0,  how  I 
wish  our  preachers  and  people  to  read  his  Journals,  Sermons, 
and  Notes  !    My  body  is  afflicted,  but  my  soul  is  serene. 

Thursday,  30.  I  preached  on  Isaiah  lv,  10,  11.  Friday 
was  an  excessively  rainy  day.  My  spirits  were  sunk  into 
dejection.  I  feel  no  passion,  but  grieve  and  sorrow  :  to 
move,  move,  seems  to  be  my  life.  I  now  lament  that  I  did 
not  set  off  with  the  young  men  to  the  Province  of  Maine. 
There  are  some  tender,  gracious  souls  in  this  town,  especially 
among  the  members  of  society. 

Sunday,  August  2.  Was  a  very  warm,  sultry  day.  I  rose 
in  the  morning  very  feeble  in  spirit,  and  attended  prayer-- 
meeting  at  six  o'clock.  I  preached  three  times,  administered 
the  sacrament,  and  met  two  classes,  and  was  not  so  fatigued 


Aug.,  11963 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


27S 


as  I  expected  I  should  have  been.  I  have  had  some  refresh- 
ing seasons  ;  and  now  I  bid  farewell  to  Lynn  for  two  years. 
I  rode  a  solitary  way  through  Maiden,  Mis  tick,  and  North 
Cambridge  ;  and  preached  at  Waltham,  at  five  o'clock,  to  a 
few  people :  the  great  rain  prevented  many  from  attending. 
Brother  Roberts  took  an  intermittent  fever  when  we  were  at 
New-Haven,  and  hath  laboured  and  suffered,  sick  or  well, 
until  he  is  almost  dead.  I  received  from  the  quarterly  meet- 
ing held  in  Fairfield  circuit,  what  I  should  be  glad  to  receive 
once  a  year  from  every  circuit  in  the  Union.  It  was  as  fol- 
lows : — "  The  preachers  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  order 
who  have  travelled  on  this  circuit  since  the  last  conference, 
have  so  conducted  themselves  that  their  characters  are  unim- 
peachable." Signed  by  the  local  preachers,  exhorters, 
stewards,  and  leaders. 

Tuesday,  4.   Brother  L  and  myself  came  ten  miles  to 

Framingham,  where  I  preached  to  a  simple-hearted  people  ; 
and  although  weak  in  body,  I  felt  enlargement  of  heart. 
Here  the  society  appeared  to  be  all  tenderness,  sweetness, 
and  love.  After  riding  thirty  miles  to  Milford,  (being  an  ex- 
cessive day  of  heat  and  hunger,)  I  preached  on  Isaiah  xxxv, 
3-6.  To  my  great  surprise,  whilst  I  was  preaching,  brother 
Roberts,  whom  I  had  left  sick  at  Waltham,  came  in.  I  was 
amazed  that  he  should  ride  thirty  miles  through  such  heat, 
without  eating  or  drinking.  It  was  enough  to  make  a  well 
man  sick. 

Thursday,  6.  We  set  out  for  Thompson  in  Connecticut, 
whence  we  came  to  dear  brother  Nichols's.  If  I  had  not 
eaten,  I  could  not  have  stood  the  labour  of  thirty  miles,  and 
preaching.  I  found  there  was  religion  among  this  society. 
The  ancient  people  are  stirred  up  by  the  Baptists,  and  the 
young  ones  by  the  Methodists. 

Saturday,  8.  We  rode  twenty-six  miles  to  Wilbiaham.  I 
was  well-nigh  spent,  and  brother  Roberts  was  ready  to  drop 
on  the  road-side.  I  spoke  late  ;  the  weather  was  warm  ;  I 
took  but  little  rest  for  my  body,  and  my  mind  was  powerfully 
tried  various  ways. 

12* 


274 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Aug.,  1795. 


Sunday  morning,  9.  My  first  subject  was  the  parable  of 
the  sower ;  afterward  the  sacrament  was  administered.  I 
thought  it  a  dull  time  ;  but  others  did  not  think  so.  I  gave 
them  another  discourse  in  the  afternoon,  on,  "  The  promise  is 
to  you  and  to  your  children."  It  was  a  running  exhortation, 
chiefly  application.  In  the  evening  brother  Roberts,  though 
weak  in  body,  gave  them  a  sermon  on,  "  My  little  children, 
for  whom  I  travail  in  birth  again  till  Christ  be  formed  in 
you."  I  see  but  little  prospect  of  good  being  done,  whilst 
the  people  are  so  divided. 

Monday,  10.  I  stopped,  and  gave  an  exhortation  at  Spring- 
field. After  a  thunder-gust,  we  came  on  to  Agawomin.  If 
I  accomplish  the  tour  I  have  in  contemplation,  it  will  make 
about  six  or  seven  hundred  miles  to  the  city  of  New- York. 
I  was  stopped  by  the  rain ;  but  when  I  cannot  do  one  thing 
another  offers.  I  could  read,  write,  pray,  and  plan.  I  laid 
out  a  plan  for  my  travels  in  1797  ;  through  Connecticut, 
Rhode  Island,  Massachusetts,  Province  of  Maine,  New-Hamp- 
shire, Vermont,  and  New-York  :  making  a  distance  of  twelve 
or  fifteen  hundred  miles.  I  set  out  for  Williamstown  on  the 
banks  of  Hoosack,  on  the  west  borders  of  Massachusetts.  I 
lodged  at  sister  H.'s.  I  was  well  steeped  in  water,  although 
my  cloak  saved  me,  in  a  good  degree,  as  is  frequently  the 
case.  My  rest  was  interrupted.  To  labour  hard  all  the  day, 
and  have  no  sleep  at  night,  ill  suit  the  flesh.  Well  might 
St.  Paul  say,  "  If  in  this  life  only  we  have  hope  in  Christ, 
we  are  of  all  men  most  miserable."  To  labour  and  to  suffer 
by  night  and  by  day,  meet  reproach,  give  up  father  and 
mother,  wife,  children,  country,  liberty,  ease,  health,  wealth, 
and,  finally,  sometimes  life  itself  in  martyrdom — all  this  may 
be  required. 

Vermont. — Friday,  21.  We  rode  in  the  afternoon  into 
the  woods  of  Bennington,  and  preached  at  brother  D.'s,  and 
had  a  melting,  comfortable  season  with  about  fifty  souls. 
There  are  sinners,  Deists,  Univcrsalists,  &c,  and  they  all 
have  something  to  say  about  religion.  I  have  felt  awful  for 
this  place  and  people ;  but  God  is  able  of  these  stones  to 


Aug.,  1795.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


275 


raise  up  children  unto  Abraham.  I  feel  my  soul  stayed 
upon  God,  although  I  am  in  heaviness  through  manifold 
temptations. 

Saturday,  22.  Brother  Roberts  and  myself  parted.  He 
went  to  Pownell,  and  myself  to  Ashgrove,  where  we  have  a 
society  of  about  sixty  members.  They  originated  with  P. 
Embury,  who  left  the  city  of  New-York  when  the  British 
preachers  came  there.  He  continued  to  pursue  his  purpose 
of  forming  societies  in  the  country  ;  but  dying  in  a  few  years, 
the  society  was  left,  and  were  without  preaching  by  the 
Methodists  for  fifteen  years.  We  have  now  a  neat  little 
chapel  here. 

Sunday,  23.  I  had  a  free,  open  time,  with  a  few  feeling 
souls,  on  Luke  xi,  1.  In  the  afternoon,  I  visited  a  neglected 
people  among  the  hills,  and  had  an  attentive  congregation. 
This  day  I  enjoyed  peace  of  soul,  and  was  happy  in  Christ. 
After  riding  fifty  miles,  I  found  myself  at  home  at  this  place, 
(Ashgrove.) 

Connecticut. — My  soul  has  been  much  quickened  this 
Sahbath,  and  I  find  a  difference  between  being  amongst  saints 
and  sinners.  We  came  through  Cambridge  county,  now 
Washington ;  and  passed  Argyletown.  named  after  Argyle, 

in  Scotland.    We  came  to  brother  M  's ;  we  and  our 

horses  were  quite  weary  ;  but  it  is  enough,  the  Lord  is  with 
us.  Let  this  suffice  at  all  times,  and  in  every  place.  We 
came  through  a  mere  wilderness  of  swamp  :  the  roots  of  the 
white  pine,  beech,  and  hemlock  were  a  good  deal  in  our  way. 
We  reached  Westfield,  where  is  a  considerable  settlement, 
and  a  promising  society. 

New-York. — We  passed  Skeynesborough,  and  turned  our 
course  eastward  through  some  rough  ground,  and  came  to 
Hampton  township,  where  we  held  a  quarterly  meeting  at 
brother  M  's,  in  a  pleasant  vale.  We  rode  through  con- 
siderable heat,  nearly  twenty  miles,  without  obtaining  any 
refreshment !  I  have  reason  to  praise  God  that  I  have  been 
able  to  travel  from  Lynn  to  this  place  ;  the  distance,  the  way 
I  have  come,  I  compute  to  be  four  hundred  miles.    I  am 


276 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Sept.,  1795. 


now  within  a  mile  of  the  line  of  Vermont.  There  is  only 
one  county,  in  the  State  of  New- York,  between  this  and 
Lower  Canada.  There  is  a  place  called  Plattsburg,  where 
they  have  often  solicited  us  to  send  preachers.  I  find  some 
similarity  between  the  northern  and  western  frontiers. 

Sunday,  30,  was  a  high  day  :  we  had  sacrament  and  love- 
feast,  and  many  opened  their  mouths  boldly  to  testify  of  the 
goodness  and  love  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  The  porch,  entry, 
kitchen,  and  the  lodging-rooms  were  filled.  One  soul  pro- 
fessed conversion.  I  find  that  two  hours'  close  meeting  flags 
the  minds  of  God's  children.  Many  of  the  people  of  the 
world  are  filled  with  prejudice  because  they  are  shut  out. 

Sister  ,  an  ancient  woman,  and  a  professor  among  the 

Baptists,  was  sent  for  by  her  father  to  turn  the  head  and 
heart  of  her  son  from  the  Methodists  :  but  she  had  grace  and 
sense  to  know  that  God  had  been  at  work  upon  his  soul ; 
and  with  tears  and  prayers  wished  him  God  speed.  Mr. 
G  ,  who  had  heard  great  and  bad  things  of  the  Method- 
ists, was  surprised  to  hear  that  a  son  of  his  died  a  Methodist, 
in  New-York ;  and  still  more  so,  when  he  was  visited  by 
another  son,  who  had  joined  society  in  Waltham.  When 
this  son  came  home,  the  father  and  family  were  alarmed, 
finding  that  he  had  met  with  something  that  had  greatly 
changed  him.  After  this,  the  prejudices  of  the  dear  old  man 
were  dissipated,  and  he  came  five  miles  to  our  quarterly 
meeting.  I  rode  forty  miles.  1  conclude,  that  for  thirty- 
five  miles  of  this  road  there  are  ten  or  twelve  houses  for  every 
mile,  including  those  which  extend  to  the  mountains  on 
either  side  of  the  road.  Notwithstanding  the  roads  are  some- 
what hilly,  they  are  good  for  travellers.  I  labour  under 
great  exercise  of  mind  from  various  quarters  ;  and  ray  own 
infirmities  of  body  and  mind  are  neither  few  nor  small. 

Wednesday,  September  2.  We  had  a  solemn  meeting  at 
Bethlehem,  in  Ashgrove.  Thursday,  3,  we  had  a  warm- 
hearted people  at  R  's,  and  a  better  time  than  weakness 

of  body  or  mind  could  promise.  On  Friday,  wo  came  to 
Lansingburgh,  and  thence  to  Troy  ;  at  last  we  got  to  Coey- 


Sept.,  1/95.] 


ASBURTS  JOURNAL. 


277 


man's  Patent,  weary,  sick,  and  faint,  after  riding  thirty-six 
miles. 

Saturday,  5.  We  were  crowded  with  people.  I  suppose 
we  had,  perhaps,  a  thousand  at  the  stone  church  at  Coey- 
man's  Patent ;  and  I  felt  some  life  and  warmth  amongst 
them. 

Sunday,  6.  In  the  morning  we  had  baptism,  ordination, 
sacrament,  and  love-feast ;  some  spoke  with  life  of  the  good- 
ness of  God.  I  gave  them  a  discourse  at  eleven  o'clock,  and 
then  went  to  bed  with  a  high  fever.  Brother  Roberts 
pleased,  and,  I  trust,  profited  the  people  with  a  discourse, 
after  I  had  done. 

Monday,  7.  I  rose  very  unwell,  and  had  to  ride  thirty-five 
or  forty  miles  through  the  rain :  I  came  in  much  wearied,  and 
found  a  comfortable  lodging  at  Mr.  I  's. 

Tuesday,  8.  I  am  somewhat  better  in  body,  but  clouds  and 
darkness  still  rest  upon  my  mind. 

Thursday,  10.  We  rode  twenty  miles  to  Marbletown,  (pro- 
perly so  called  at  present:)  I  preached  on  Heb.  xii,  28,  29. 
I  felt  awful ;  there  appeared  to  be  very  little  devotion  among 
the  people.  Our  southern  friends  are  battered  on  the  subject 
of  slaves,  and  these  are  in  peace :  it  will  not  do  ;  we  must  be 
Methodists  in  one  place  as  well  as  another. 

Saturday,  12.  We  reached  brother  Garrettson's.;  and  Sun- 
do  y,  13,  I  preached  at  R  's  chapel.    Then  returned  to 

Rhinebeck  chapel,  and  preached  on  Heb.  xiii,  5.  God  once 
put  into  brother  Garrettson's  hands  great  riches  of  a  spiritual 
nature,  and  he  laboured  much ;  if  he  now  does  equal  good 
according  to  his  temporal  ability,  he  will  be  blessed  by  the 
Lord,  and  by  men. 

Tuesday,  15.  We  made  it  twenty  miles  to  the  wreck  of  an 
old  Presbyterian  meeting-house,  at  Wapping  Creek,  called 
the  hollow  ;  where  I  gave  them  a  discourse  on  "Judgment 
beginning  first  at  the  house  of  God" — and  there  was  some 
little  motion,  but  the  Methodists  were  not  on  their  own  ground. 

Wednesday,  16.  Brother  R  gave  us  a  close,  good  ser- 
mon on,  "  My  people  have  committed  two  evils,"  &c.    I  then 


278 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Sept.,  1795. 


enlarged  on,  "  My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee ;"  our  meeting 
continued  till  three  o'clock  ;  we  got  no  dinner,  and  had  to  ride 
twelve  miles  to  get  to  our  supper  and  lodgings.  We  stopped 
at  Governor  Van  Courtlandt's,  who  reminds  me  of  General 
Russell ;  we  had  all  we  needed,  and  abundantly  more  than 
we  desired.  Rest,  rest,  how  sweet !  yet  how  often  in  labour 
I  rest,  and  in  rest,  labour. 

Sunday,  20.  I  had  a  comfortable  time  at  Croton  chapel, 
on  Rom.  i,  16.  I  returned  to  General  Van  Courtlandt's,  and 
dined  with  my  dear  aged  friends.  Shall  we  ever  meet  again  ? 
We  came  to  Fisher's,  near  the  White  Plains  chapel,  to  hold 
conference.  My  soul  is  kept  solemn  ;  and  I  feel  as  if  earth 
were  nothing  to  me ;  I  am  happy  in  God,  and  not  perplexed 
with  the  things  of  this  world. 

Tuesday,  22.  A  few  of  us  met  in  conference  ;  the  main  body 
of  the  preachers  not  coming  in  until  about  twelve  o'clock. 
We  went  through  the  business  of  the  conference  in  three  days, 
forty-three  preachers  being  present.  I  was  greatly  disap- 
pointed in  not  hearing  the  preachers  give  a  full  and  free  ac- 
count of  themselves  and  circuits.  Although  we  sat  ten  hours 
in  each  day  we  did  not  close  our  business  until  Thursday  even- 
ing, after  sitting  each  night  till  twelve  o'clock. 

New-Jeksey. — Friday  25.  We  crossed  Hudson  River  twen- 
ty-six miles.above  the  city  of  New- York,  and  came  on  to  the 
waters  of  Hackensack ;  a  river  that  is  only  thirty  miles  long 
and  navigable  two-thirds  of  the  way :  we  then  came  to  Pas- 
saic River,  crossed  at  Second  River,  and  made  out  this  day 
to  ride  forty  miles,  much  fatigued. 

Saturday,  26.  We  rode  about  thirty-two  miles  with  very 
little  to  eat ;  however,  we  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  the 
famous  Brunswick  bridge,  which  is  now  nearly  finished.  It 
is  the  grandest  of  the  kind  I  have  seen  in  America.  I  was 
properly  wearied ;  and  prepared  to  rest  on  Sunday.  I  was 
sorely  tried  yesterday ;  more  so  than  I  have  been  these  six 
weeks  past. 

Monday,  28.  We  came  to  Monmouth ;  we  would  have 
gone  to  Shrewsbury,  but  time  and  horses  failed  us.    I  learn 


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219 


that  the  ancient  spirit  of  faith,  prayer,  and  power,  is  taking 
place  in  a  few  places  below.  I  was  shocked  at  the  brutality 
of  some  men  who  were  fighting,  one  gouged  out  the  other's 
eye  ;  the  father  and  son  then  beset  him  again,  cut  off  his  ears 
and  nose,  and  beat  him  almost  to  death.  The  father  and  son 
were  tried  for  a  breach  of  the  peace,  and  roundly  fined ;  and 
now  the  man  that  hath  lost  his  nose  and  ears  is  to  come  upon 
them  for  damage.  I  have  often  thought  that  there  are  some 
things  practised  in  the  Jerseys  which  are  more  brutish  and 
diabolical  than  in  any  of  the  other  States :  there  is  nothing  of 
this  kind  in  New-England ;  they  learn  civility  there  at  least. 
We  rode  twenty  miles  to  Emley's  church,  where  the  great  re- 
vival of  religion  was  some  years  ago.  I  felt  a  little  of  the  old, 
good  spirit  there  still.  Thence  we  journeyed  on  to  Penny 
Hill,  fifteen  miles,  where  I  was  enabled  to  speak  strong  words. 
Thence  I  came  to  New  Mills,  and  gave  them  an  alarming  talk 
on,  Judgment  beginning  at  the  house  of  God. 

Pennsylvania. — Saturday,  October  3.  I  came  through  the 
sand  to  Philadelphia,  and  on  Sunday  evening  I  preached  on 
"  All  seek  their  own,  not  the  things  which  are  Jesus  Christ's." 
In  doing  which — 

I.  I  pointed  out  the  things  that  are  Jesus  Christ's. 

II.  How  these  are  to  be  sought. 

III.  That  men  are  not  to  seek  themselves  wholly,  or  par- 
tially, in  the  ministry  of  Christ,  but  that  self  must  be  altoge- 
ther out  of  the  question. 

Monday,  5.  We  opened  our  conference,  and  went  on  with 
great'  peace,  love,  and  deliberation,  but  were  rather  irregular, 
owing  to  some  preachers  not  coming  in  until  the  third  or  fourth 
day.  We  made  better  stations  than  could  be  expected,  ex- 
tending from  Northampton,  in  Virginia,  to  the  Seneca  Lake. 

Friday,  9,  we  observed  as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer.  I 
preached  at  eleven  o'clock,  on  Joel  ii,  15—17. 

Saturday,  10.  Our  conference  rose. 

Sunday,  11.  I  preached  in  the  morning  at  the  African 
church,  in  the  afternoon  at  Ebenezer,  and  in  the  evening  at 
St.  George's,  where,  to  my  surprise,  the  galleries  were  filled. 


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I  applied,  "  Knowing  therefore  the  terror  of  the  Lord,  we  per- 
suade men."  I  had  work  enough,  being  often  compelled  to 
digress  to  call  the  attention  of  the  wild  people. 

Monday,  12.  After  getting  a  copy  of  the  minutes  I  came 
to  Chester,  and  dined  with  Mary  Withy,  who  hath  lived  a 
widow  in  this  house  thirty-one  years,  and  hath  kept  one  of 
the  most  complete  houses  of  entertainment  in  America.  She 
hath  sold  out  for  £3,000,  and  is  to  give  place  in  three  weeks. 
I  came  late  to  Wilmington,  and  preached  on  Col.  i,  10.  The 
great  hinderance  to  the  work  of  God  here  is  the  loose  walk 
of  professors  of  religion.  Thence,  by  T.  H  's,  I  proceed- 
ed to  North  East  Forge,  and  lodged  with  my  dear  son,  D. 
Sheredine. 

Maryland. —  Wednesday,  14.  We  came  to  Cokesbury. 
Here  we  undertook  to  make  an  inventory  of  all  the  property 
belonging  to  Cokesbury  college,  and  found  the  sum  total  of 
the  amount  to  be  seven  thousand  one  hundred  and  four  pounds, 
twelve  shillings  and  ninepence. 

Saturday,  17.  I  came  to  Baltimore  to  attend  the  quarterly 
meeting  ;  brother  Whatcoat  and  myself  filled  up  Sunday  the 
18th,  and  were  crowded  with  people. 

Tuesday,  20.  Our  conference  began.  We  had  preachers 
from  the  Northern  Neck,  and  what  is  called  New  Virginia, 
(Pitt  District,)  and  the  west  of  Maryland ;  about  fifty-five  in 
number.  On  Friday  night  there  was  a  public  collection  for 
the  assistance  of  the  preachers  who  were  deficient  in  their 
quarterage. 

Sunday  evening,  25.  I  preached  on,  "  Then  shall  many  be 
offended,  and  shall  betray  one  another."  As  I  wished  not  to 
be  idle  I  concluded  to  spend  a  good  part  of  this  week  in  meet- 
ing classes.  The  Africans  of  this  town  desire  a  church,  which, 
in  temporals,  shall  be  altogether  under  their  own  direction, 
and  ask  greater  privileges  than  the  white  stewards  and  trustees 
ever  had  a  right  to  claim. 

Thursday,  29.  Was  a  very  solemn  day  of  thanksgiving: 
the  subject  I  made  choice  of  was  Psalm  cxlvii,  20,  "He 
hath  not  dealt  so  with  any  nation."   This  I  applied  spiritually — 


Nov.,  1795.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


281 


L  To  ourselves  as  individuals. 

II.  As  it  applies  to  our  families. 

III.  To  the  society  and  ministry. 

IV.  As  it  applies  to  the  continent. 

In  the  afternoon  I  preached  at  the  Point,  on  "  In  everything 
give  thanks." 

Saturday,  31.  I  left  town  and  came  to  Elk  Ridge,  where 
I  found  a  little  time  for  reflection  and  prayer. 

Sunday,  November  1.  I  preached  and  administered  the 
sacrament  on  the  Ridge.  After  twenty-three  years'  preaching 
here,  we  have  a  small  society.  I  dined  at  the  widow  How- 
ard's, and  had  an  interview  with  sister  Pue,  who  appeared  to 
be  deeply  oppressed  with  the  loss  of  her  valuable  husband. 
It  is  now  more  than  twenty  years  since  the  doctor  attended 
my  ministry ;  and  I  have  to  hope  was  deeply  awakened.  In 
the  latter  part  of  his  life  he  was  much  afflicted  ;  he  called  upon 
God,  and  I  trust  died  in  peace.  I  doubt  if  there  hath  been  a 
man  of  his  profession  of  equal  skill,  continuation,  and  atten- 
tion, in  the  state  of  Maryland.  Mr.  Fletcher,  when  near  his 
end  cried  out,  "My  poor,  what  will  become  of  my  poor?" 
So  the  doctor,  when  on  his  death-bed,  "  What  will  become 
of  my  patients  ?" 

Monday,  2.  After  riding  forty  miles,  I  came  late  in  the 
evening  to  Georgetown,  and  found  a  congregation  waiting  at 
the  new  chapel.  Although  wearied  and  unwell,  I  felt  some 
liberty  in  speaking;  and  I  am  persuaded  that  good  might 
have  been  done  here  if  professors  had  not  traded  away  their 
characters.  It  is  strange,  that  people  professing  no  religion 
look  for  justice  and  perfection  in  all  Christians,  and  forget 
themselves. 

Vikgixia. —  Thursday,  5.  I  reached  Faulks.  Friday,  6, 
preached  at  the  widow  Bumbury's,  to  about  sixty-six  hearers, 
after  riding  about  sixty-six  miles  from  Alexandria. 

Saturday,  7.  I  rode  about  forty-two  miles,  and  found  a 

quiet  retreat  at  brother  E  's.    Next  day  I  had  about  four 

hundred  hearers. 

Wednesday,  11.   I  had  about  three  hundred  hearers  at 

I 


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ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Nov.,  1795. 


Lancaster  meeting-house.  Came  in  the  evening  to  the  widow 
Diggs's.  Friday,  13,  after  preaching  to  a  few  people  at  the 
widow  Woodland's,  we  set  out  at  one  o'clock  for  Bowles's 
ferry,  and  crossed  in  forty  minutes,  although  it  was  three 
miles  over :  we  landed  in  Essex  county,  and  rode  eight  miles 
to  brother  Mann's,  where  I  preached  fifteen  years  ago. 

Saturday,  14.  I  visited  brother  L.  R.  Cole,  and  spent  the 
day  with  him  and  his  agreeable  wife.  Brother  Reuben  Ellis 
is  certainly  married,  for  the  first  time  ;  may  it  be  for  the  glory 
of  God,  and  the  good  of  his  Church,  and  comfort  of  the  dear 
man  and  his  wife  ! 

Sunday,  15.  I  preached  to  some  souls  within  and  round 
the  house,  with  a  mixture  of  rich  and  poor,  tame  and  wild 
people,  at  mother  Cowles's !  I  am  amazed  at  the  dear  aged 
woman — the  additional  labour  to  which  she  submits,  although 
now  between  seventy  and  eighty  years  of  age,  and  possessing 
such  strong  mental  powers  ! — it  is  surprising. 

Monday,  16.  After  a  rainy  morning  I  rode  to  Paup's 
chapel,  and  had  nearly  a  hundred  people.  I  spent  the  even- 
ing with  Mrs.  J.  Ellis,  brother  Paup,  and  brother  Perry :  I 
Avas  not  so  spiritual  as  I  might  have  been. 

Tuesday,  17.  Crossed  Mattaponi  at  Frazie's  ferry,  and 
Pomonkey  at  Putney,  and  came  to  Colonel  Cleaton's :  the 
weather  was  cold,  and  the  wind  and  hunger  were  both  pinch- 
ing. We  were  kindly  entertained  at  P.  Davies's  :  Stephen, 
his  brother,  is  dead,  and  hath  left  the  chief  of  what  he  bad 
to  the  Church.  He  hath  appointed  me  his  trustee  to  dispose 
of  it,  and  J.  Ellis  his  executor.  I  feel  the  burden  of  the  con- 
nexion ;  my  only  hope  is,  that  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  will 
send  labourers  into  his  vineyard,  not  mine. 

Thursday,  19.  I  preached  at  Richmond;  and  the  next 
day  came,  cold  and  hungry,  to  my  affectionate,  kind,  adopted 
son,  J.  Harding's,  in  Petersburg.  Here  several  of  the  preach- 
ers met  me,  to  accompany  me  to  the  quarterly  meeting  in 
Brunswick.  I  received  an  original  letter  from  Mr.  L — j — , 
not  like  what  I  wrote;  so  I  bid  him  farewell  :  I  Mill  not  give 
him  another  opportunity  to  abuse  me ;  neither  shall  I  lay  to 


Dec,  1795.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


283 


heart  what  he  saith  to  afflict  me.  I  attended  the  quarterly 
meeting  at  Meritt's  chapel,  and  there  was  some  move  among 
the  people.  I  rode  to  J.  Paup's,  and  had  some  consultation 
about  Ebenezer  school. 

Monday,  23.  I  preached  at  W  's  chapel,  and  in  the 

evening  came,  cold  and  hungry,  to  L.  Holmes's,  in  Mecklen- 
burg. 

Tuesday,  24.  Our  conference  began  at  Salem  chapel  ; 
there  were  present  about  fifty  members,  and  sixteen  proba- 
tioners— we  had  close  work,  and  great  harmony  in  senti- 
ment. 

Saturday,  28.  Brothers  A  and  C          preached,  and 

we  had  a  warm,  living  season. 

Sunday,  29,  was  a  great  day.  I  preached  on  1  Tim.  iii, 
15,  16  ;  and  there  were  ten  elders  and  nine  deacons  ordained. 
This  part  of  the  connexion  has  regained  its  proper  tone,  after 
being  kept  out  of  tune  for  five  years  by  an  unhappy  division. 
We  were  kindly  entertained  by  our  friends  and  brethren  ; 
preachers  and  people  were  blest ;  and  we  parted  in  peace. 

Monday,  30.  I  had  a  few  people  and  several  preachers  at 
brother  Seward's.  The  next  day  at  Wolsey's  barn  (now 
Drumgold's  chapel)  I  had  a  few  people,  they  having  had  but 
short  notice :  here  religion  appears  to  be  in  a  low  state :  I 

spent  the  evening  with  brother  E.  D  ;  his  house  is  not 

with  the  Lord,  as  he  prayeth  and  longeth  ;  yet  I  trust  God 
hath  made  an  everlasting  covenant  with  the  father,  well 
ordered  and  sure. 

Wednesday,  December  2.  I  preached  at  my  old  friend  W. 
Owen's,  whom  I  first  knew  at  Portsmouth;  we  had  a  small 
house,  and  a  good  meeting.    In  the  evening  I  came  to  my 

aged  friend  M.  M  's ;  whom  I  have  known  these  twenty 

years,  although  never  at  his  house  before. 

North  Carolina. — Monday,  1.  I  preached  at  brother 
Clayton's,  near  Halifax ;  and  then  hasted  to  brother  Brad- 
ford's, where  we  had  a  small  congregation  the  next  day. 
Yesterday  evening  William  Glendenning  stayed  here :  he 
talked  very  boldly  to  R.  W  ;  alleging  that  he  was  free, 


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ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Dec,  1795. 


&c.  I  expect  he  will  go  on  without  fear  or  wisdom,  until 
many  of  the  Methodists  will  not  receive  him  into  their  houses 
and  hear  the  abuse  of  their  ministers,  people,  and  discipline. 

We  crossed  Tar  River  and  Town  Creek,  and  came  to  T. 
Sheppard's,  where  we  had  all  things  richly  to  enjoy.  I  had 
my  trials,  and  my  spirit  was  greatly  afflicted  and  humbled  : 
I  was  glad  to  get  alone  to  pour  out  my  soul  unto  God. 

Saturday,  12.  This  hath  been  to  me  a  day  of  trial  and 
consolation.  It  is  wonderful  to  see  how  the  people  in  this 
country  are  hid  by  swamps  and  creeks. 

Sabbath  day,  13.  We  set  out  in  the  midst  of  the  rain  to 
Span's  meeting-house  ;  I  had  ten  hearers,  to  whom  I  preached 
on  Luke  xii,  32.  We  came  to  brother  Span's,  who  has  sold 
off  his  property,  and  is  about  to  move  to  the  high  lands  of 
South  Carolina :  the  reason  he  assigns  is  laudable ;  and  I 
think  God  will  be  with  him.  It  rained  powerfully  in  the 
night,  which  brought  me  under  great  exercise  about  getting 
along,  having  been  so  often  stopped  by,  and  dipped  in,  the 
rivers  and  swamps. 

Monday,  14.  We  crossed  Neuse  River  at  Whitefield's 
ferry,  the  river  rising  very  fast.  We  passed  North-East  and 
Goshen  bridges,  and  Bear  Swamp  ;  all  of  which  we  crossed 
in  safety,  though  not  without  fear :  my  feet  were  wet,  my 
body  cold,  and  my  stomach  empty,  having  had  no  dinner. 
I  found  a  good  fire,  a  warm  bed,  and  a  little  medicine,  each 
necessary  in  its  place.  No  people  make  you  more  welcome 
to  their  houses  than  these :  but  is  Christ  welcome  to  their 
hearts  ?  I  am  sensible  of  the  want  of  more  religion  among 
them. 

Friday,  18.  After  riding  about  twenty  miles,  I  preached 

at  Father  V  's ;  I  felt  strangely  set  at  liberty,  and  was 

uncommonly  happy.  Here  we  left  Goshen  circuit,  and  Sam- 
son county. 

Saturday,  19.  We  crossed  the  south  branch  of  Black 
River,  and  came  to  Elizabethtown,  about  fifty  miles  above 
Wilmington :  we  had  a  very  cold  day,  and  nothing  to  eat  for 
thirty  miles.    Brother  M'Rca  met  us  near  the  town  and  took 


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285 


us  to  his  house ;  and  it  was  well  he  did,  or  we  might  have 
been  lost  in  the  woods.  But  the  kindness  of  the  people  in 
supplying  our  wants  made  up  for  our  toil — Lord,  comfort 
them  who  comfort  us  !  Here  we  had  a  quiet  retreat,  and 
spent  the  Sabbath  in  public  and  private  exercises. 

Monday,  21.  We  set  out  by  sunrise,  and  had  to  work  our 
way  through  the  swamps,  where  I  feared  being  plunged  in 
headforemost.  I  have  lately  been  much  tried  several  ways  ; 
and  much  comforted.  We  came  down  Brunswick  county, 
North  Carolina,  twenty  miles  to  Norman's,  within  the  line  of 
South  Carolina.  Cross  where  you  will  between  the  States, 
and  it  is  a  miserable  pass  for  one  hundred  miles  west.  I  was 
much  led  out  on  Rev.  xxi,  6-8.  This  country  abounds  with 
bays,  swamps,  and  drains  ;  if  there  were  here  no  sinners,  I 
would  not  go  along  these  roads.  I  am  in  want  of  rest,  and 
should  be  glad  of  better  fare.  0,  for  patience,  faith,  courage, 
and  every  grace  !  Sometimes  I  feel  as  though  I  could  rejoice 
to  die  and  go  home  :  but  at  other  times  the  work  of  God  is 
in  my  way,  and  sometimes  my  own  unworthiness. 

South  Carolina. —  Thursday,  24.  We  came- to  Kingston, 
where  I  preached  in  an  old  Presbyterian  meeting-house,  now 
repaired  for  the  use  of  the  Methodists.  I  spent  the  evening 
with  W.  Rogers,  formerly  of  Bristol,  where  our  wants  were 
richly  supplied:  thus,  sometimes  we  abound  and  at  other 
times  suffer  want ;  and  we  may  balance  the  one  with  the 
other. 

Christmas  day,  25.  We  set  out  at  six  o'clock  for  George- 
town, and  came  to  Urania  ferry,  which  we  crossed  and  came 
to  Wacamaw  River  :  we  were  detained  at  the  two  ferries 
about  three  hours,  and  rested  one,  and  came  to  Georgetown 
about  four  o'clock  in  the  evening ;  having  ridden  thirty-seven 
miles  without  eating  or  drinking,  except  a  lowland  hard  apple, 
which  I  found  in  my  pocket.  The  vanity  of  dancing  in  this 
place  is  in  a  good  degree  done  away,  and  they  have  no  play- 
house, and  the  people  are  very  attentive:  I  trust  that  time 
and  patience  will  bring  all  things  about ;  that  we  shall  not 
ride  so  many  hundred  miles  in  vain,  and  that  so  many  prayers 


286 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Dec,  1795. 


offered  up,  and  tears  shed  for  their  welfare,  will  not  be  lost. 
After  ten  years'  labour  we  have  done  but  little ;  but  if  Ave 
could  station  a  preacher  here,  we  might  yet  hope  for  success. 
I  found  brother  Cannon  had  not  laboured  in  vain;  he  hath 
established  class-meetings  among  white  and  black ;  and  the 
good  would  have  been  still  greater  had  prayer-meetings  been 
properly  kept  up.  We  try  to  do  good,  but  who  among  us 
try  to  do  all  the  good  they  can  ?  for  myself,  I  leave  no  com- 
pany without  fears  of  not  having  discharged  my  duty.  Were 
it  not  for  Jesus,  who  would  be  saved  ?  When  I  have  preach- 
ed, I  feel  as  though  I  had  need  to  do  it  over  again  ;  and  it  is 
the  same  with  all  my  performances.  Brother  Blanton,  my 
faithful  friend,  who  freely  offered  himself  to  go  to  South  Caro- 
lina, now  my  companion  in  travel,  had  not  preached  for  a 
month,  so  I  thought  it  time  for  him  to  begin  again,  which  he 
did  in  the  evening.  I  preached  on  Psalm  xii,  1,  and  on  the 
Sabbath  I  preached  on  Dcut.  v,  12-14.  In  the  afternoon  the 
people  were  attentive  and  somewhat  moved.  I  find  the  scene 
is  changed  in  Georgetown  ;  we  have  a  number  of  very  modest, 
attentive  hearers,  and  a  good  work  among  the  blacks.  The 
Methodists  begin  to  stand  on  even  ground  with  their  antago- 
nists. 

Monday,  28.  We  directed  our  course  towards  Charleston, 
and  crossed  Santee  at  Lanues's  ferry,  which  is  the  best  I 

know  on  the  river.    In  the  evening  we  reached  Mr.  C  's : 

I  felt  for  the  man  of  the  house,  and  was  pleased  in  having 
the  privilege  of  praying  with  them,  and  enjoyed  great  sweet- 
ness therein. 

Tuesday,  29.  We  came  to  our  dear  brother  Jackson's  on 
Cain  Hoy  River :  here  Ave  had  the  pleasure  of  hearing  of 
some  revival  of  religion  among  the  children  and  domestics  of 
the  Methodists. 

Wednesday,  30.  We  reached  Charleston,  having  made  it 
about  seventy-four  miles  from  Georgetown,  along  an  ex- 
cellent road.  Here  are  the  rich,  the  rice,  and  the  slaves ;  the 
last  is  awful  to  me.  Wealthy  people  settled  on  the  rice  lands 
of  Cooper  River  hold  from  fifty  to  two  hundred  slaves  on  a 


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287 


plantation  in  chains  of  bondage :  yet  God  is  able  of  these 
stones,  yea,  of  these  slaveholders,  to  raise  up  children  unto 
Abraham.  My  soul  felt  joyful  and  solemn  at  the  thoughts 
of  a  revival  of  religion  in  Charleston.  I  find  several  young 
persons  are  brought  into  the  fold  of  Christ. 

Thursday,  31.  Several  of  the  preachers  came  into  the  city 
to  conference.  We  had  a  melting  time  at  the  love-feast  at 
brother  Wells's. 

Friday,  January  1,  1796.  I  gave  them  a  sermon  suited  to 
the  beginning  of  the  year,  and  the  sacred  fire  was  felt.  Satur- 
day, 2,  we  began  our  conference.  Lord's  day,  3,  was  a  day  of 
extraordinary  divine  power,  particularly  at  the  sacrament ; 
white  and  black  cried  out  and  shouted  the  praises  of  God — 
yea, 

"Clap  your  hands,  yc  people  all, 
Praise  the  God  on  whom  ye  call." 

Monday,  4.  We  again  entered  on  the  business  of  confer- 
ence ;  present,  about  twenty  members  and  seven  graduates. 

Tuesday,  5,  continued  our  business ;  we  have  great  peace 
and  love — see  eye  to  eye,  and  heart  to  heart.  We  have  now 
a  second  and  confirmed  account  that  Cokesbury  college  is 
consumed  to  ashes,  a  sacrifice  of  £10,000  in  about  ten  years  ! 
The  foundation  was  laid  in  1785,  and  it  was  burnt  December 
7,  1795.  Its  enemies  may  rejoice,  and  its  friends  need  not 
mourn.  Would  any  man  give  me  £10,000  per  year  to  do 
and  suffer  again  what  I  have  done  for  that  house,  I  would  not 
do  it.  The  Lord  called  not  Mr.  Whitefield  nor  the  Methodists 
to  build  colleges.  I  wished  only  for  schools — Doctor  Coke 
wanted  a  college.    I  feel  distressed  at  the  loss  of  the  library. 

Thursday,  7,  we  observed  as  a  day  of  fasting  and  humilia- 
tion, to  seek  the  blessing  of  God  on  the  conference.  We 
began,  continued,  and  parted  in  the  greatest  peace  and  union. 

We  concluded  to  send  J.  J          and  J.  R  ,  alternately,  as 

missionaries  to  Savannah  and  the  ancient  parts  of  Georgia. 
Friday,  8,  most  of  our  brethren  took  their  leave  of  the  city, 
and  I  had  time  for  recollection.  We  have  in  some  cases  had 
to  station  one  preacher  where  formerly  there  were  two :  I 


288 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1796. 


trust  the  cause  to  God,  and  he  will  support  it  for  his  own 
glory  ;  I  must  look  more  to  him  and  less  to  men,  whether 
aged,  middle-aged,  young,  married,  or  single,  of  great  or 
small  abilities.  My  mind  is  variously  exercised  about  staying 
here.  I  lament  the  partiality  of  the  people  for  and  against 
particular  preachers. 

Sunday,  10.  I  gave  them  a  discourse  on  Hab.  ii,  1,  2  :  "I 
will  stand  upon  my  watch  and  set  me  upon  the  tower,  and 
will  watch  to  see  what  he  will  say  unto  me,  and  what  I  shall 
answer  when  I  am  reproved.  And  the  Lord  answered  me, 
Write  the  vision,  and  make  it  plain  upon  tables  that  he  may 
run  that  readeth  it."  At  noon  brother  Hill  made  an  attempt 
to  preach  in  the  street  opposite  St.  Michael's  church,  but  was 
prevented  by  the  guard  :  however,  it  wrought  right,  for  many 
were  led  to  attend  the  church  in  the  afternoon  and  evening 
meetings  :  there  appears  to  be  great  moving  one  way  or 
another.  • 

Monday,  11.  My  soul  is  stayed  upon  God,  momently  look- 
ing unto  him.  In  reading  Mr.  Winterbotham,  I  compared 
the  great  talk  about  President  Washington  formerly,  with 
what  some  say  and  write  of  him  now :  according  to  some  ho 
then  did  nothing  wrong ;  it  is  now  said  that  he  was  always 
partial  to  aristocrats  and  continental  officers  :  as  to  the  latter, 
I  ask,  Who  bought  the  liberty  of  the  States  ?  the  continental 
officers  : — and  surely  they  should  reap  a  little  of  the  sweets 
of  rest  and  peace  :  these  were  not  chimney-corner  whigs. 
But  favours  to  many  of  the  officers  now  would  come  too  late 
— a  great  number  of  them  are  gone  to  eternity,  their  consti- 
tutions being  broken  with  hard  fare  and  labour  during  the 
war.  As  to  myself,  the  longer  1  live,  and  the  more  I  investi- 
gate, the  more  I  applaud  the  uniform  conduct  of  President 
AVashington  in  all  the  important  stations  which  he  has  filled. 

Sunday,  1 7.  My  spirit  felt  awful  through  the  morning :  I 
preached  to  a  full  congregation,  and  had  a  solemn  season  ; 
and  in  the  afternoon  I  preached  on  Luke  \ 'hi,  10.  Monday,  18. 
I  am  still  employed  in  reading :  I  admire  the  sterling  truth 
contained  in  Mr.  Wesley's  writings  on  divinity. 


Jim.,  179G.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


289 


Thursday,  21.  Precious  time — how  it  flies  !  I  was  greatlv 
entertained  and  comforted  in  spirit  in  receiving  from  brother 
Southerland  an  account  of  the  great,  confirming  blessing  he 
hath  experienced  to  his  soul.  0,  that  we  could  receive  such 
accounts  from  every  family  !  I  have  written  to  several  of 
my  ancient  friends  in  Philadelphia.  I  may  say  of  letters, 
as  it  was  said  of  silver  in  the  days  of  Solomon,  "  I  make  no 
account  of  that :"  I  suppose  I  must  write  nearly  a  thousand 
in  a  year. 

Sunduy  morning,  24.  I  was  so  poorly  as  to  be  hardly  able 
to  rise  from  my  bed  ;  however,  I  made  out  to  deliver  two 
discourses  in  public  to  large  congregations.  Monday,  I  wrote, 
visited,  and  rode  ;  I  read  but  little.  0  time,  precious  time, 
how  swiftly  doth  it  fly  ! 

Wednesday,  27.  I  have  great  reason  to  praise  God  that  I 
am  in  a  house,  and  not  exposed  to  the  dreadful  rains  and 
freshets  that  have  taken  place.  We  learn  by  late  accounts 
that  corn,  rice,  cattle,  bridges,  and  we  know  not  what,  are 
swept  away  and  destroyed  by  the  late  uncommon  rains.  I 
feel  myself  humbled  before  God,  under  a  sense  of  my  not 
having  been  as  faithful  to  him  as  I  might  have  been.  I  am 
rather  too  much  delighted  with  reading  on  paper  what  I 
have  read  with  my  eyes  in  my  travels  through  the  continent. 

Sunday,  31.  Was  much  taken  up  with  the  work  of  the 
Lord :  I  preached  in  the  morning  and  afternoon. 

Monday,  February  1.  I  have  written  in  the  most  pointed 
manner  to  my  dear  brethren  at  Baltimore,  to  establish  prayer- 
meetings  in  every  part  of  the  town.  My  mind  is  unhappy ; 
1  wish  to  be  gone  into  the  country  to  be  about  my  Master's 
work. 

We  had  a  prayer-meeting ;  but  the  spirit  of  prayer  and 
supplication  did  not  appear  to  be  among  the  people,  I  have 
peace  with  God  ;  but  my  soul  is  in  continual  heaviness  for 
Zion. 

Wednesday,  3.  I  had  near  two  hundred  and  fifty  of  the 
African  society  at  the  love-feast  held  for  them  in  the  evening. 
0,  my  God,  display  thy  power !    I  received  good  news  from 

Vol.  II.— 13 


-200 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Feb.,  11Q6. 


Jesse  Lee  concerning  the  prospect  of  religion  in  Boston,  Pro- 
vidence, and  the  District  of  Maine — that  the  preachers,  socie- 
ties, and  quarterly  meetings  are  lively.  My  soul  at  times  is 
in  heaviness  through  manifold  temptations.  I  felt  an  impres- 
sion on  my  mind  when  at  prayer  that  I  felt  too  much,  and 
might  fret  myself  because  of  evil  doers ;  I  resolve,  through 
grace,  to  be  more  resigned  to  the  Lord,  and  less  distressed, 
lest  I  should  lightly  sin  against  God  or  myself  in  unneces- 
sarily injuring  my  health. 

Friday,  5,  I  spent  in  reading  and  writing,  and  observed  it 
as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer.  I  felt  myself  under  dejection 
of  spirit.  Ah  !  what  a  dreary  world  is  this !  my  mind  is  un- 
der solemn  impressions — the  result  of  my  reflections  on  God 
and  souls.  I  will  endeavour  not  to  distress  myself  above 
measure.  If  sinners  are  lost,  I  cannot  save  them,  neither 
shall  I  be  damned  for  them.  I  was  happy  last  evening  with 
the  poor  slaves  in  brother  Wells's  kitchen,  whilst  our  white 
brother  held  a  sacramental  love-feast  in  the  front  parlour 
up  stairs.  I  must  be  poor :  this  is  the  will  of  God  concern- 
ing me. 

The  Methodists  have  now  about  ninety  thousand  members 
of  society  in  Europe,  about  seventy  thousand  in  America  and 
tin'  Islands,  and  about  four  hundred  in  Africa. 

Sunday,  7.  We  had  an  awful,  solemn  season,  while  I  dis- 
coursed on  the  two  thieves  that  suffered  with  our  Lord ;  and 
still  more  so  in  the  afternoon  on  our  Lord's  comment  on  tin- 
sixth  commandment :  it  was  dreadfully  loud  and  alarming.  I 
believe  that  believers,  seekers,  and  sinners,  felt  the  word,  and 
I  was  pleased  to  hear  that  some  were  stricken  with  the  power 
of  God.  I  feel  very  weak  in  body,  and  find  that  age  makes 
an  alteration.  But  my  soul  is  truly  happy  in  the  Lord,  and 
his  work  is  reviving  amongst  us. 

Sunday,  14.  I  began  the  solemnity  of  the  day  by  opening 
and  supplying  our  Lord's  comment  on  the  seventh  command- 
ment, which  is  designed  to  condemn  the  adultery  of  the 
heart.  It  appears  to  have  been  the  will  of  our  Lord  not  to 
give  liberty  for  a  second  marriage  while  a  former  husband  or 


Feb.,  1796.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


291 


wife  is  living.  St.  Paul  undoubtedly  understood  it  so,  even  when 
heathen  husbands  left  their  wives,  or  wives  left  their  husbands. 

Wednesday,  17.  The  city  now  appears  to  be  running  mad 
for  races,  plays,  and  balls.  I  am  afraid  of  being  out  of  my 
duty  in  staying  here  too  long  :  my  soul  is  among  the  lions  ; 
yet  Christ  is  mine,  and  I  trust  my  supreme  desire  is,  "  Holi- 
ness to  the  Lord."  My  soul  longeth  to  be  gone,  like  a  bird 
from  a  cage.  I  have  been  employed  in  visiting  from  house  to 
house,  and  lament  the  superficial  state  of  religion  among  the 
white  people  who  are  called  Methodists.  I  have  thought  if 
we  had  entered  here  to  preach  only  to  the  Africans,  we  should 
probably  have  done  better. 

Sunday,  21.  I  delivered  two  discourses  on  our  Lord's  Ser- 
mon on  the  Mount,  and  was  loud,  long,  alarming,  and  not 
very  pleasing. 

Monday,  22.  I  felt  myself  indisposed,  owing  to  the  exer- 
tions of  the  day  past. 

Wednesday  and  Thursday,  24,  25.  I  was  employed  in  put- 
ting my  thoughts  together  on  the  unlawfulness  of  divorce — 
of  having  more  than  one  wife,  or  taking  a  second  on  any  con- 
sideration while  the  first  is  living.  I  begin  to  feel  comfortable 
at  the  thoughts  of  leaving  this  city  shortly.  This  makes  me 
fear  I  ought  not  to  stay  here  so  long.  It  is  true,  I  have  a 
thousand  or  twelve  hundred  hearers,  and  two  or  three  hun- 
dred of  these  change  with  the  day.  My  soul  possesseth 
peace,  but  great  unworthiness  cleaveth  to  me.  I  am  appre- 
hensive  I  injure  myself  by  giving  too  intense  application  to 
reading.  In  my  early  days  I  contracted  a  habit  for  this,  and 
I  cannot  easily  give  it  up. 

Sunday,  28.  My  morning  subject  was  Philippians  i,  8,  9. 
In  the  evening  I  treated  on  wolves  in  sheep's  clothing :  some 
laughed,  some  wept,  and  some  were  vexed.  Ah  !  how  I  wish 
to  make  my  escape  and  be  gone !  I  must  pay  for  this  indul- 
gence with  pain  of  mind :  I  feel  for  these  souls :  many  of 
them  who  have  been  sitting  under  my  ministry,  appear  to  be 
more  hardened  now  than  when  I  began  first  to  preach  to  them  ; 
and  no  wonder,  seeing  they  have  so  insulted  the  Spirit  of  God. 


292 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Mar.,  1*796. 


Wednesday,  March  2.  For  my  linholiness  and  unfaithful- 
ness, my  soul  is  humbled:  were  I  to  stand  in  my  own  merit, 
where  should  I  be  or  go,  but  to  hell  ?  The  time  drawing 
nigh  when  I  expected  to  leave  the  city,  I  was  visited  by  my 
poor  Africans,  and  had  their  prayers  and  best  wishes.  And 
now,  what  have  I  been  doing?  I  have  preached  eighteen 
sermons,  met  all  the  classes,  fifteen  in  number,  written  about 
eighty  letters,  read  some  hundred  pages,  visited  thirty  fami- 
lies again  and  again.  But  who  are  made  the  subjects  of 
grace  ?  Such  are  my  impressions,  that  I  am  apprehensive 
God  will  work  more  in  judgment  than  in  mercy,  and  that 
this  will  be  an  eventful  year  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  place. 
In  the  course  of  my  stay  here  I  have  written  more  than  three 
hundred  pages  on  subjects  interesting  to  the  society  and  con- 
nexion. 

Thursday,  3.  I  left  the  city  ;  the  rain  of  yesterday  and  to- 
day has  made  the  road  extremely  wet  and  muddy ;  it  was  in 
our  favour  that  Ave  came  over  the  Causeway  at  Ashley  River, 
without  swimming.  We  came  in  the  evening,  dripping,  to 
father  E  s,  having  ridden  thirty-four  miles. 

Friday,  4.  We  crossed  Edisto  River,  and  came  to  Island 
Creek.  At  a  pole-house  I  talked  a  while  on  1  Chron.  vii,  1 4, 
and  administered  the  sacrament.  My  feet  were  as  if  they  had 
been  steeped  in  water. 

We  had  to  ride  three  miles  for  lodgings,  hungry,  wet,  and 
weary.  Since  half-past  eight  yesterday  we  have  ridden  up- 
wards of  sixty  miles.  I  am  now  turned  fifty  years  of  age,  and 
feel  it  hard  to  flesh  and  blood  to  go  upon  the  old  line,  as  in 
former  days.  God  is  at  work  in  this  place,  so  that  we  do  not 
labour  and  suffer  altogether  in  vain.  I  was  under  some  diffi- 
culties about  getting  along,  owing  to  the  great  rains,  which 
have  so  raised  the  water-courses  that  they  are  impassable. 
We  at  length  directed  our  course  towards  Augusta;  with 

deep  wading,  by  the  assistance  of  brother  B  ,  and  by  the 

blessing  of  Providence,  we  came  to  father  E  's,  a  Lot  in 

Sodom.  It  is  all  right  that  I  should  come  to  see  these  aged 
people,  and  preach  to  the  young  ones.    I  am  weary,  but  I 


Mai:.,  1796.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


293 


will  travel  on :  I  only  want  more  of  the  spirit  of  faith  and 
prayer.  I  feel  very  sensibly  for  my  dear  Charleston  people ; 
I  doubt  not  but  they  think  of  and  pity  me.  My  feet  have 
been  wet  every  day,  for  four  days  successively;  but  the 
kindness  of  the  people  helpeth  me  greatly  over  these  troubles. 

Wednesday,  9.  Rode  twenty-five  miles  to  Chester's.  Here 
I  learned  Edisto  was  impassable.  If  Ave  had  not  hasted  along 
as  we  did,  we  should  not  have  passed  it  in  proper  time,  and  I 
should  have  been  prevented  from  visiting  Georgia  this  year 
also.  There  are  so  many  water-courses,  and  so  few  ferries, 
that  going  through  this  country  in  any  certain  time  is  like  a 
lottery. 

Thursday,  10.  We  sent  notice  through  the  neighbourhood, 
to  collect  a  congregation ;  so  I  had  the  privilege  of  preaching 
to  a  people  I  had  not  addressed  for  six  years.  0 !  my  soul, 
how  dost  thou  travail  for  souls  night  and  day  ! 

Georgia. — I  crossed  W  's  ferry;  the  point  on  the 

south  side  is  washed  like  a  beach,  and  the  house  swept 
away  by  the  late  freshets  ;  I  saw  how  the  flood  had  ploughed 
up  the  street  of  Augusta :  I  walked  over  the  ruins  for  nearlv 
two  miles,  viewing  the  deep  gulfs  in  the  main  street.  I  sup- 
pose they  would  crucify  me  if  T  were  to  tell  them  it  is  the 
African  flood ;  but  if  they  could  hear  me  think,  they  would 
discover  this  to  be  my  sentiment.  T  was  honoured  with  the 
church  to  preach  in  ;  where  I  had  about  four  hundred  respect- 
able hearers.  I  have  delivered  my  own  soul — it  may  be  once 
for  all.  I  have  ridden  about  one  hundred  and  ninety  miles 
from  Charleston  into  Georgia  ;  I  have  attended  four  meetings : 
and  have  not  had,  in  all,  above  six  hundred  hearers. 

Wednesday,  16.  I  rode  fifteen  miles  to  Whiteoak;  I  was 
sick ;  the  house  was  very  open,  and  the  wind  blew  powerfully-. 
Dying  !  dead  ! — unpleasing  appearances  !  We  swam  our  hor- 
ses across  Little  River,  and  had  to  ride  fifteen  miles  after 
preaching  to  get  our  dinners. 

Friday,  18.  I  was  very  much  outdone  before  I  reached 
Comb's  meeting-house,  which  was  very  open.  I  was  very 
warm  in  preaching.    I  rode  to  G  's  in  the  evening,  mak- 


294 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  tAra,  1796. 


ing  it  nearly  twenty  miles :  when  I  came  there  I  was  so 
indisposed,  that  I  was  glad  to  go  to  bed.  Next  morning  I 
felt  better,  and  rode  to  the  school  at  Coke's  chapel ;  where, 
after  preaching,  I  partially  examined  the  scholars. 

Thursday,  24.  I  had  a  few  wealthy,  and,  I  fear,  wicked 
people  at  Pope's  chapel ;  I  preached  on  our  Lord's  weeping 
over  Jerusalem.    We  had  deep  wading  across  Long  Creek, 

and  made  it  nearly  twenty  miles  to  :  very  kind,  but  no 

religion  he:c.  Since  I  have  been  in  Georgia,  I  have  had  a 
blessed  time  of  consolation  in  my  own  soul.  I  must  needs  go 
through  Petersburg.  I  had  to  ride  to  Curltail  River,  and 
thence  to  the  head  of  Reedy  River,  twenty-eight  or  thirty 
miles.  We  got  no  food  for  man  nor  horse  until  we  came  to 
D  's  ;  I  preached  to  his  father  twenty-two  years  ago. 

South  Carolina. —  Tuesday,  29.  I  held  forth  about  an 
hour  and  a  half  on  Acts  iii,  26.  We  set  out  again  about  two 
o'clock,  and  had  to  ride  for  our  dinner  only  twenty  miles. 
We  crossed  Muddy  and  Lick  Creeks,  Little  and  Great  Bush 
Rivers.    These  afforded  bodies  of  excellent  land. 

Wednesday,  30.  We  had  a  meeting  of  the  trustees  of  Bethel 
school,  and  it  was  agreed  it  should  be  a,  free  school ;  and  that 
only  the  English  tongue  and  the  sciences  should  be  taught. 
I  drew  up  an  address  on  behalf  of  the  school  in  order  to  raise 
three  hundred  dollars  per  annum,  to  support  a  president 
teacher.  I  dined  with  my  unshaken  friend,  W.  P.,  an  Israelite 
indeed.  He  hath  all  things  richly  to  enjoy,  and  a  good  con- 
science also.  He  was  formerly  a  travelling  preacher  amongst 
us,  and  laboured  for  and  with  us  nearly  as  long  as  he  was 
able.  The  weather  is  as  warm  here  as  in  the  month  of  June 
to  the  north.    I  was  so  weary  with  the  riding  I  could  not  sleep. 

Sunday,  April  3.  A  multitude  of  sinners  came  together  at 

W.  S  's.    I  feel  myself  still  faint  and  feeble,  and  would 

not  live  always. 

Monday,  4.  I  crossed  Fair  Forest,  and  came  to  J.  G's, 
where  I  had  to  stop  and  rest.  Since  I  came  into  South  Car- 
olina, I  have  ridden  through  Newbury,  Spartansburgh,  Union, 
and  Lawrence  counties.    There  is  a  general  complaint  of  the 


Apr.,  1?96.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


295 


want  of  corn  in  these  parts ;  and  no  wonder,  when  we  con- 
sider the  great  storm  which  they  have  had,  and  the  number 
of  stills  in  the  country :  the  people  here  drink  their  bread  as 
well  as  eat  it.  I  am  so  very  poorly  in  body  that  close  study 
injures  me.  I  crossed  Lawson  Fork  at  the  high  shoals  a  lit- 
tle below  the  Beauty  Spot.  I  could  not  but  admire  the 
curiosity  of  the  people — my  wig  was  as  great  a  subject  of 
speculation  as  some  wonderful  animal  from  Africa  or  India 
would  have  been.  I  had  about  one  hundred  people  at  the 
meeting  house  :  some  came  to  look  at,  and  others  to  hear  me. 
We  must  needs  go  off  without  any  dinner,  intending  to  ride 
nearly  forty  miles  to  father  Moore's,  in  Rutherford  county, 
(N.  C.)  After  brother  M.  and  myself  had  preached,  we 
passed  the  Cow  Pens,  where  Morgan  and  Tarlton  had  their 
fray.  We  made  it  nearly  twenty-five  miles  to  the  Upper 
Island  ford,  on  the  main  Broad  River ;  and  after  travelling 
until  seven  o'clock  at  night  were  glad  to  stop  at  brother 

S  's,  ten  miles  short  of  the  place  we  intended  to  reach 

when  we  set  out. 

North  Carolina. —  Wednesday,  6.  We  came  to  Moore's: 
I  was  at  a  loss  how  to  address  myself  to  these  people — it 
may  be  for  the  last  time :  it  was  laid  on  my  heart  to  speak 
from  our  Lord's  lamentation  over  Jerusalem.  I  felt  awful 
among  them. 

Saturday,  9.  We  came  to  Cane  Creek,  in  Burke  county. 
We  dined  on  some  peach-pie  in  the  woods.  In  the  afternoon 
there  arose  a  most  dreadful  storm  of  rain,  with  thunder  and 
lightning  :  it  was  very  awful ;  we  cried  to  God  for  man  and 
beast,  and  were  preserved.  We  came  in  about  seven  o'clock, 
and  were  received  by  T.  B.  with  great  kindness. 

Monday,  11.  We  crossed  Lovelady's  ferry  and  came  to 
Connell's,  where  I  met  with  several  preachers.  After 
preaching,  I  was  going  to  administer  the  sacramen.t,  and 
discovered  that  what  they  had  provided  for  wine  was  in 

reality  brandy ;  so  I  desisted.    Here  I  met  Doctor  B  11, 

who  is  still  praying  and  waiting  for  the  consolation  of  Israel. 
I  rode  a  mountainous  path  six  miles  to  father  W  's, 


200 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Am.,  1790. 


where  we  dined.  Ah  !  what  a  round  of  continual  running  is 
my  life !  Of  late,  feeble  as  I  am,  I  cannot  help  thinking  of 
Cumberland,  in  Tennessee,  and  trying  to  go  there :  if  I  must 
go  to  Kentucky,  I  think  it  is  time  to  go  to  Cumberland  also. 

Thursday,  14.  We  took  our  departure  from  Johns  River, 
up  the  branches  of  Catabaw  :  on  our  way  Ave  met  with  a  half 
dozen  living  creatures,  like  men  and  women,  who  seemed 
quite  pleased  with  their  mountain  wedding ;  they  were  under 
the  whip,  riding  two  and  two  as  if  they  would  break  their 
necks ;  one  had  a  white  cloth  like  a  flag,  and  the  other  a  silk 
handkerchief ;  when  they  had  spent  their  fire,  they  called  at 
a  still-house  to  prime  again.  T  ascended  about  one  mile  up  a 
mountain,  and  came  to  M.  Davenport's :  here  I  feel  deep  de- 
jection of  mind  as  well  as  great  weakness  of  body,  and  as  if 
I  cordd  lie  down  and  die ;  owing,  in  some  measure,  I  pre- 
sume, to  the  great  fatigue  I  underwent  in  ascending  the 
mountain,  which  was  very  steep. 

Saturday,  10.  We  set  off  at  six  o'clock,  and  directed  our 
course  up  Tow  River ;  thence  up  the  Rocky  Creek  through 
the  gap  of  the  Yellow  Mountain,  to  the  head  waters  of  Toe 
River ;  we  had  to  ride  till  eight  o'clock  at  night.  My  mind 
is  still  under  deep  depression. 

Tennessee. — Sunday,  17.  I  preached  at  Dawe's  to  about 
two  hundred  people  ;  and  then  met  the  society,  and  had  a 
melting  season.  The  milk  and  water  of  this  country  are  both 
as  physic  to  me.  I  am  afraid  that  such  shocks  as  these  will, 
sometime  or  other,  overset  me. 

Monday,  18.   I  rested  at  D  's  ;  my  body  very  feeble, 

and  mind  under  exceeding  dejection,  with  imaginary  and  real 
evils. 

Tuesday  evening,  the  preachers  came  in  from  Kentucky 
and  Cumberland. 

Wednesday,  20.  Our  conference  began  in  great  peace,  and 
thus  it  ended.  We  had  only  one  preacher  for  each  circuit 
in  Kentucky  ;  and  one  for  Green  circuit  in  Tennessee.  My- 
self being  weak,  and  my  horse  still  weaker,  I  judged  it  im- 
practicable to  attempt   going  through  the  wilderness  to 


May,  1790.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL- 


S' 


Kentucky ;  and  have  concluded  to  visit  Nolachucky.  I 
wrote  an  apology  to  the  brethren  in  Kentucky  for  my  not 
coming,  and  informed  them  of  the  cause. 

Monday,  25.  On  the  banks  of  Nolachucky  I  parted  with 
our  dear  suffering  brethren,  going  through  the  howling  wil- 
derness. I  feel  happy  in  God.  Sinners  appear  to  be  har- 
dened, and  professors  cold  ;  the  preachers,  although  young 
men,  appear  to  be  solemn  and  devoted  to  God,  and  doubtless 
are  men  who  may  be  depended  upon. 

North  Carolina. — I  came  to  C  's,  where  I  saw  a 

Baptist  minister,  who  had  moved  from  Georgia  to  Kentucky. 
He  appeared  desirous  of  returning  again.  I  was  told  he  ex- 
pressed his  fears,  that  the  ministers  in  Kentucky  will  be  a 
curse  to  each  other,  and  the  people  too.  Good  religion  and 
such  good  land  are  not  so  easily  matched  together.  We 

came  to  D  's,  and  had  a  full  meeting.    Brother  Hill  and 

his  aids  had  a  great  time  on  the  Sabbath ;  and  I  trust  the 
time  to  favour  this  people  is  come. 

Sunday,  May  1.  We  came  to  Acuff 's  chapel.  I  found 
the  family  sorrowful  and  weeping,  on  account  of  the  death 
of  Francis  Acuff,  who  from  a  fiddler  became  a  Christian  ; 
from  a  Christian,  a  preacher  ;  and  from  a  preacher,  I  trust,  a 
glorified  saint.  He  died  in  the  work  of  the  Lord  in  Ken- 
tucky I  found  myself  assisted  in  preaching  on  Ephes.  ii,  1,  2. 
The  house  was  crowded,  and  I  trust  they  did  not  come  to- 
gether in  vain.  T  was  somewhat  alarmed  at  the  sudden 
death  of  Reuben  Ellis,  who  hath  been  in  the  ministry  up- 
wards of  twenty  years  ;  a  faithful  man  of  God,  of  slow,  but 
very  solid  parts ;  he  was  an  excellent  counsellor,  and  steady 
yoke-fellow  in  Jesus.  My  mind  is  variously  exercised  as  to 
future  events — whether  it  is  my  duty  to  continue  to  bear  the 
burden  I  now  bear,  or  whether  I  had  not  better  retire  to 
some  other  land.  1  am  not  without  fears,  that  a  door  will  be 
opened  to  honour,  ease,  or  interest ;  and  then  farewell  to  re- 
ligion in  the  American  Methodist  Connexion;  but  death  may 
soon  end  all  these  thoughts,  and  quiet  all  these  fears. 

Virginia. —  Thursday,  5.    I  came  to   's  ;  thence  to 

13* 


298 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1796. 


the  unmeaning  meeting-house,  and  found  a  wild,  wicked 
people,  to  whom  I  preached  on  Gen.  xix,  18.  An  appoint- 
ment had  been  made  for  me  to  preach  in  Abingdon.  As  I 
expected  there  would  be  no  opportunity,  as  the  court  was 
then  sitting,  I  concluded  to  go  off  to  Clinch,  but  was  inform- 
ed there  would  be  (by  the  will  of  the  judges)  an  adjournment 
of  the  court  for  my  preaching.  I  therefore  went  and  preached 
at  three  o'clock,  and  had  the  judges,  some  of  the  lawyers, 
and  very  few  of  the  citizens  to  hear  me.  As  sentence  was 
passed  on  a  poor  criminal  this  day,  and  two  more  were  burnt 
in  the  hand,  I  judged  I  ought  to  meet  the  solemnities  of  the 
day,  and  spoke  on,  "  Knowing  therefore  the  terrors  of  the 
Lord,  we  persuade  men  ;"  but  was  shut  up  in  my  own  mind. 

Saturday,  7.  I  escaped  from  Abingdon  as  out  of  a  prison, 
and  rode  to  Clinch.  I  passed  by  Mr.  Cummings's.  He 
hath  not  laboured  for  naught.  Few  men  have  a  better 
house  or  plantation  :  but  his  plea  is,  "  He  put  his  life  in  his 
hand  ;"  and  so  have  I,  every  time  I  have  crossed  the  wilder- 
ness and  mountains.  I  expect  a  crown  for  my  services. 
Were  I  to  charge  the  people  on  the  western  waters  for  my 
services,  I  should  take  their  roads,  rocks,  and  mountains  into 
the  account,  and  rate  my  labours  at  a  very  high  price.  We 

crossed  North  Holstein,  and  came  to  D  's,  sixteen  miles ; 

where  we  had  a  congregation  of  about  two  hundred  people. 

Sunday,  8.  In  the  morning  I  awoke  very  unwell.  I  took 
a  few  drops  of  camphorated  spirits,  Bateman's  Drops,  and 
paregoric,  and  found  some  ease,  although  my  headache  and 
fever  still  continued.  I  made  out  to  preach  to  about  two 
hundred  people. 

Monday,  9.  I  hobbled  over  the  ridge,  through  the  capital 

part  of  Russell  county,  sixteen  miles  to  B  's.  These 

people  have  lived  in  peace  ever  since  the  death  of  Ben,  the 
half-blooded  Indian  warrior,  who  was  shot  through  the  head 
while  carrying  off  two  women.  He  was  a  dreadful  wicked 
wretch,  who,  by  report,  may  have  been  the  agent  of  death  to 
nearly  one  hundred  people  in  the  wilderness,  and  on  Russell. 
Here  I  preached  to  a  few  insensible  people ;  and  had  time 


May,  1790.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


299 


to  read,  write,  and  sleep  in  quiet.    Yesterday  our  prayers 

were  requested  on  behalf  of  F.  D  .    This  day  in  the 

evening  brother  K   was  called  upon  to  perform  her  fune- 
ral solemnities.  Perhaps  she  has  been  as  great  a  female 
sufferer  as  I  have  heard  of.  The  following  account,  in  sub- 
stance, was  taken  from  her  own  mouth,  some  time  ago,  by  J. 
Kobler,  who  performed  her  funeral  rites. 

Her  maiden  name  was  Dickenson.  She  was  married  to  a 
Mr.  Scott,  and  lived  in  Powell's  Valley  ;  at  which  time  the 
Indians  were  very  troublesome,  often  killing  and  plundering 
the  inhabitants.  On  a  certain  evening,  her  husband  and 
children  being  in  bed,  eight  or  nine  Indians  rushed  into  the 
house  ;  her  husband  being  alarmed,  started  up,  when  all  that 
had  guns  fired  at  him.  Although  he  was  badly  wounded, 
lie  broke  through  them  all,  and  got  out  of  the  house.  Se- 
veral of  them  closely  pursued  him,  and  put  an  end  to  his  life. 
They  then  murdered  and  scalped  all  her  children  before  her 
eves,  plundered  her  house,  and  took  her  prisoner.  The  re- 
mainder of  the  night  they  spent  around  a  fire  in  the  woods, 
drinking,  shouting,  and  dancing.  The  next  day  they  divided 
the  plunder,  with  great  equality  ;  amongst  the  rest  of  the 
goods  was  one  of  Mr.  Wesley's  hymn-books ;  she  asked 
them  for  it,  and  they  gave  it  to  her ;  but  when  they  saw  her 
often  reading  therein,  they  were  displeased,  called  her  a 
conjurer,  and  took  it  from  her.  After  this  they  travelled 
several  days'  journey  towards  the  Indian  towns  ;  but,  said 
she,  my  grief  was  so  great  I  could  hardly  believe  my  situa- 
tion was  a  reality,  but  thought  I  dreamed.  To  aggravate 
my  grief,  one  of  the  Indians  hung  my  husband's  and  my 
children's  scalps  to  his  back,  and  would  walk  the  next  before 
me.  In  walking  up  and  down  the  hills  and  mountains,  I  was 
worn  out  with  fatigue  and  sorrow :  they  would  often  laugh 
when  they  saw  me  almost  spent,  and  mimic  my  panting  for 
breath.  There  was  one  Indian  who  was  more  humane  than 
the  rest.  He  would  get  me  water,  and  make  the  others  stop 
when  I  wanted  to  rest.  Thus  they  carried  me  on  eleven 
days'  journey,  until  they  were  all  greatly  distressed  with 


300 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1796. 


hunger.  They  then  committed  me  to  the  care  of  an  old 
Indian  at  the  camp,  while  they  went  off  a  hunting. 

Whilst  the  old  man  was  husily  employed  in  dressing  a 
deer-skin,  I  walked  backward  and  forward  through  the 
woods,  until  I  observed  he  took  no  notice  of  me.  I  then 
slipped  off,  and  ran  a  considerable  distance  and  came  to  a 
cane-brake,  where  I  hid  myself  very  securely.  Through 
most  of  the  night  I  heard  the  Indians  searching  for  me,  and 
answering  each  other  with  a  voice  like  that  of  an  owl.  Thus 
was  I  left  alone  in  the  savage  wilderness,  far  from  any  inha- 
bitants, without  a  morsel  of  food,  or  any  friend  to  help,  but 
the  common  Saviour  and  friend  of  all :  to  him  I  poured  out 
my  complaint  in  fervent  prayer  that  he  would  not  forsake  me 
in  this  distressing  circumstance.  I  then  set  out  the  course 
that  I  thought  Kentucky  lay,  though  with  very  little  expec- 
tation of  seeing  a  human  face  again,  except  that  of  the 
savages,  whom  I  looked  upon  as  so  many  fiends  from  the 
bottomless  pit ;  and  my  greatest  dread  was  that  of  meeting 
some  of  them  whilst  wandering  in  the  wilderness. 

One  day  as  I  was  travelling,  I  heard  a  loud  human  voice, 
and  a  prodigious  noise,  like  horses  running.  I  ran  into  a  safe 
place  and  hid  myself,  and  saw  a  company  of  Indians  pass  by, 
furiously  driving  a  gang  of  horses  which  they  had  stolen  from 
the  white  people.  I  had  nothing  to  subsist  upon  but  roots, 
young  grape-vines,  and  sweet-cane,  and  such  like  produce  of 
the  woods.  I  accidentally  came  where  a  bear  was  eating  a 
deer,  and  drew  near  in  hopes  of  getting  some ;  but  he 
growled  and  looked  angry,  so  I  left  him,  and  quickly  passed 
on.  At  night  when  I  lay  down  to  rest,  I  never  slept,  but  I 
dreamed  of  eating.  In  my  lonesome  travels,  I  came  to  a 
very  large  shelving  rock,  under  which  was  a  fine  bed  of 
leaves.  I  crept  in  among  them,  and  determined  there  to 
end  my  days  of  sorrow.  I  lay  there  several  hours,  until  my 
bones  ached  in  so  distressing  a  manner  that  I  was  obliged  to 
stir  out  again.  I  then  thought  of,  and  wished  for  home  ;  and 
travelled  on  several  days,  till  I  came  where  Cumberland 
River  breaks  through  the  mountain. 


May,  1790.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


801 


I  went  down  the  cliffs  a  considerable  distance,  until  I  was 
affrighted,  and  made  an  attempt  to  go  back,  but  found  the 
place,  down  which  I  had  gone,  was  so  steep  that  I  could  not 
return.  I  then  saw  but  one  way  that  I  could  go,  which  was 
a  considerable  perpendicular  distance  down  to  the  bank  of  the 
river.  I  took  hold  of  the  top  of  a  little  bush,  and  for  half 
an  hour  prayed  fervently  to  God  for  assistance.  I  then  let 
myself  down  by  the  little  bush  until  it  broke,  and  I  went  with 
great  violence  down  to  the  bottom.  This  was  early  in  the 
morning,  and  I  lay  there  a  considerable  time,  with  a  deter- 
mination to  go  no  farther.  About  ten  o'clock  I  grew  so 
thirsty,  that  I  concluded  to  crawl  to  the  water  and  drink, 
after  which  I  found  I  could  walk.  The  place  I  came  through, 
as  I  hive  been  since  informed,  is  only  ttvo  miles,  and  I  icas 
four  days  in  yetting  through  it.  I  travelled  on  until  I  came 
to  a  little  path,  one  end  of  which  led  to  the  inhabitants,  and 
the  other  to  the  wilderness.  I  knew  not  which  end  of  the 
path  to  take.  After  standing  and  praying  to  the  Lord  for 
direction,  I  turned  to  take  the  end  that  led  to  the  wilderness. 
Immediately  there  came  a  little  bird  of  a  dove-colour  near  to 
my  feet,  and  fluttered  along  the  path  that  led  to  the  inhabi- 
tants. I  did  not  observe  this  much  at  first,  until  it  did  it  a 
second  or  third  time.  1  then  understood  this  as  a  direction 
of  Providence,  and  took  the  path  which  led  me  to  the  inha- 
bitants. Immediately  after  her  safe  arrival  she  embraced  re- 
ligion, and  lived  and  died  an  humble  follower  of  Christ. 

Tennessee. — Saturday,  14.  We  passed  Russell  court- 
house, and  intended  to  go  to  B  's,  but  were  met  by  a 

most  violent  storm  of  rain,  thunder,  and  lightning.  We  had 
a  most  dreadful  crack  ;  the  fire  and  scent  were  like  the  dis- 
charge of  a  great  gun.  I  was  much  alarmed  for  nearly  a 
mile  with  expectation  or  fear  of  what  would  overtake  us.  We 
found  shelter  from  part  of  the  storm  in  a  poor  cabin,  where 
some  people  had  stopped  on  their  way  to  Cumberland. 
Cold,  labour,  and  being  in  the  rain,  cause  me  to  feel  very 
unwell. 

Sunday,  15.  How  gladly  would  I  have  attended  my  bed. 


302 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1V96. 


rather  than  my  meeting;  but  it  was  fixed  otherwise,  and  I 
had  to  stand  in  the  door,  pressed  with  people,  and  preach  to 
about  three  hundred  hearers.  There  was  some  stir  among 
them.  I  felt  better  in  soul  and  body  after  meeting  than  I  did 
before.  We  passed  through  Wythe  county,  and  rode  seventy 
miles  in  two  days. 

Thursday,  19.  I  was  crowded  with  stupid  sinners  of  vari- 
ous descriptions,  to  whom  I  preached  on  Joshua  xxiv,  19: 
"  Ye  cannot  serve  God,"  &c.  It  was  a  matter  of  surprise, 
that  I  not  only  refused  to  stay  a  night,  but  that  I  did  not  eat 
bread  nor  drink  water  in  that  place. 

Friday,  20.  We  rode  forty  miles  to  Indian  Creek,  about 
fifteen  miles  above  the  mouth.    We  had  no  place  to  dine 

until  we  arrived  at  father  C  's,  about  six  o'clock.    If  I 

could  have  regular  food  and  sleep,  I  could  stand  the  fatigue 
I  have  to  go  through  much  better ;  but  this  is  impossible 
under  some  circumstances.  To  sleep  four  hours,  and  ride 
forty  miles  without  food  or  fire,  is  hard :  but  we  had  water 
enough  in  the  rivers  and  creeks.  I  shall  have  ridden  nearly 
one  thousand  miles  on  the  western  waters  before  I  leave  them ; 
I  have  been  on  the  waters  of  Nolachucky  to  the  mouth  of 
Clinch  ;  on  the  north,  middle,  and  south  branches  of  Holstein  ; 
on  New  River,  Green  Briar,  and  by  the  head  springs  of 
Monongahela.  If  I  were  able  I  should  go  from  Charleston, 
(S.  C.,)  a  direct  course,  five  hundred  miles,  to  Nolachucky  ; 
thence  two  hundred  and  fifty  miles  to  Cumberland  ;  thence 
one  hundred  to  Kentucky  ;  thence  one  hundred  miles  through 
that  State,  and  two  hundred  to  Saltsburg ;  thence  two  hun- 
dred to  Green  Briar;  thence  two  hundred  to  Red  Stone,  and 
three  hundred  to  Baltimore.  Ah  !  if  I  were  young  again ! 
I  was  happy  to  have  a  comfortable  night's  sleep,  after  a  hard 
day's  ride,  and  but  little  rest  the  night  before.  I  have  now 
a  little  time  to  refit,  recollect,  and  write.  Here  forts  and 
savages  once  had  a  being,  but  now  peace  and  improvement. 

Monday,  23.  I  rode  to  Rehoboth  chapel,  in  the  sinks  of 
Green  Briar,  where  we  held  conference  with  a  few  preachers. 
Here  I  delivered  two  discourses.    Thursday,  crossed  Green 


Mat,  1196.1 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


303 


Bri;ir  River,  and  had  to  pass  along  a  crooked  and  dangerous 
path  to  Benton's.    My  mind  is  in  peace. 

Friday,  21.  I  felt  myself  very  heavy,  my  mind  unpre- 
pared for  the  congregation  at  Gilboa  meeting-house,  and 
could  not  preach  with  any  satisfaction.  After  meeting  the 
society,  I  came  away  much  clouded.    We  came  off  from 

brother  C  's  about  four  o'clock,  aiming  at  the  Little 

Levels ;  but  darkness  came  on,  and  we  had  to  climb  and 
blunder  over  the  point  of  a  mountain,  in  descending  which 
my  feet  were  so  squeezed  that  the  blood  was  ready  to  gush 
out  of  the  pores :  I  could  hardly  help  weeping  out  my  sor- 
row :  at  length  we  came  to  brother  H  's,  where  the  kind- 
ness of  the  family  was  a  cordial,  and  we  went  to  rest  about 
ten  o'clock,  and  all  was  well. 

Sunday,  29.  I  was  very  warm  in  body  and  mind  at 
M'Neale's.  In  the  afternoon  (contrary  to  my  sentiment  and 
practice  on  the  Lord's  day)  we  took  our  departure,  purposing 
to  reach  Morgantown  on  Wednesday  evening,  in  order  to  at- 
tend an  appointment  made  for  me  on  Thursday,  the  second 
of  June.  We  reached  my  old  friend  Drinnon's,  who  received 
us  gladly,  and  entertained  us  kindly.  Next  day  {Monday) 
we  opened  our  campaign  through  the  mountains,  following  a 
path  I  had  thought  never  to  travel  again.  Frequently  we 
were  in  danger  of  being  plucked  off  our  horses  by  the  boughs 
of  the  trees  under  which  we  had  to  ride.  About  seven 
o'clock,  after  crossing  six  mountains  and  many  rocky  creeks 
and  fords  of  Elk  and  Monongahela  Rivers,  we  made  the 
Valley  of  Distress,  called  by  the  natives  Tyger's  Valley.  We 
had  a  comfortable  lodging  at  Mr.  White's ;  and  here  I  must 
acknowledge  the  kindness  and  decency  of  the  family,  and 
their  readiness  to  duty,  sacred  and  civil.  Thence  we  hasten- 
ed on  at  the  rate  of  forty-two  miles  a  day.  We  had  to  ride 
four  miles  in  the  night,  and  went  supperless  to  the  Punching, 
where  we  slept  a  little  on  hard  lines. 

After  encountering  many  difficulties,  known  only  to  God 
and  ourselves,  we  came  to  Morgantown.  I  doubt  whether  I 
shall  ever  request  any  person  to  come  and  meet  me  at  the 


304 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [June,  1796. 


levels  of  Green  Briar,  or  to  accompany  me  across  these  moun- 
tains again,  as  brother  D.  Hitt  has  now  done.  0  !  how 
chequered  is  life !  How  thankful  ought  I  to  be  that  I  am 
here  safe,  with  life  and  limbs,  in  peace  and  plenty,  at  kind 
brother  S  's. 

Pennsylvania. —  Thursday,  June  2.  I  gave  them  a  dis- 
course on,  "  Work  out  your  own  salvation  with  fear  and 
trembling."  I  had  half  a  dozen  preachers  and  a  congregation 
of  serious  hearers,  and  some  wept.  I  was  informed  of  an  awful 
circumstance  : — A  man,  aged  seventy  years,  strangled  his  own 
son,  to  prevent  his  appearing  as  evidence  against  him  for  theft. 

Thursday,  9.  We  crossed  Great  Yohogany,  and  came  to 
Connel's  Town,  where  we  had  a  good  time.    I  preached  on 

Acts  iii,  26.    Sister  C  ,  who  professed  to  find  peace  six 

or  seven  years  ago,  when  I  prayed  with  her,  was  now  sick ; 
I  gave  her  counsel  and  medicine,  and  trust  I  left  her  better 
in  soul  and  body. 

Saturday,  11.  I  rode  to  Uniontown,  and  after  a  solemn 
meeting,  I  sat  in  conference  with  the  preachers. 

Monday,  13.  We  left  Uniontown,  and  rode  about  thirty- 
five  miles,  and  the  next  day  forty-five  to  J.  F  's. 

Maryland. —  Wednesday,  15.  I  came  to  Oldtown,  and 
preached  to  a  few  people,  at  brother  J.  J.  Jacobs's,  and  the 
next  day  rode  nearly  forty  miles  to  father  F  's. 

Friday,  17.  We  rode  forty-two  miles,  and  were  weary 
enough. 

Saturday,  18.  I  came  to  brother  S.  Philips's,  and  was  glad 
to  lay  me  down  and  rest,  having  ridden  about  two  hundred 
miles  on  uneven  roads  in  five  days  and  a  half. 

Sunday,  19.  I  was  musing  in  my  own  mind  how  I  could 
best  spend  the  morning  of  that  day.  I  concluded  to  call  the 
family  into  the  room,  and  address  them  pointedly,  one  by  one, 
concerning  their  souls :  I  did  so,  and  hope  it  was  not  in  vain. 
In  the  afternoon  I  preached  on  the  twenty-third  Psalm. 

Tuesday,  21.  I  preached  in  Frederictown  at  ten  o'clock, 
and  at  Libertytown  at  five  o'clock. 

Wednesday,  22.  I  had  some  life  at  the  new  meeting-house 


July,  1796.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


306 


on  the  Ridge.  I  borrowed  a  horse  to  ride  nine  miles,  and 
then  made  out  to  get  to  Baltimore.  0  what  times  are  here ! 
The  academy  is  crowded,  they  have  five  teachers,  and  nearly 
two  hundred,  scholars.  I  will  now  take  a  view  of  my  journey 
for  some  months  past.  From  the  best  judgment  I  can  form, 
the  distance  is  as  follows:  from  Baltimore  to  Charleston 
(S.  C.)  one  thousand  miles ;  thence  up  the  State  of  South 
Carolina  two  hundred  miles ;  from  the  centre  to  the  west  of 
Georgia  two  hundred  miles  ;  through  North  Carolina  one  hun- 
dred miles ;  through  the  state  of  Tennessee  one  hundred 
miles ;  througli  the  west  of  Virginia  three  hundred  miles ; 
through  Pennsylvania  and  the  west  of  Maryland  and  down  to 
Baltimore  four  hundred  miles.  I  was  employed,  in  town  as 
usual  in  preaching  and  meeting  the  classes,  &c.  I  continued 
in  town  until  Thursday,  30,  and  then  set  off,  and  came  in  the 

evening  to  Esquire  G  's,  our  ancient  lodging,  and  was 

received  with  their  usual  kindness. 

Friday,  July  1.  Came  to  Abingdon,  and  saw  the  walls  of 
Cokcsbuiy  with  some  pain  of  mind.  We  came  in  the  even- 
ing to  Mr.  Dallam's,  whose  house  was  the  first  home  I  had  in 
these  parts.  Sister  Dallam  is  worn  out  with  affliction  ;  but  }fcr 
confidence  in  God  continues,  and  appears  to  grow  stronger. 

Saturday  and  Sunday,  2,  3.  I  attended  Cecil  quarterly 
meeting ;  and  spent  Monday,  4th,  at  Mr.  Bassett's ;  I  was  so 
unwell,  that  if  my  company  had  not  been  entertaining  I 
should  have  been  in  bed. 

Wednesday,  6.  We  had  a  solemn  season  at  Dudley's  chapel : 
it  was  like  a  Sabbath. 

Thursday,  7.  I  rode  to  Choptank  (now  Greensborough) 
through  excessive  heat ;  S.  Cook  was  watching  for  me,  and 
when  I  came  she  could  hardly  bear  my  presence  ;  she  seemed 
as  deeply  affected  as  if  I  had  been  her  father,  knowing  the 
great  affection  that  subsisted  between  her  deceased  father  and 
myself.  1  am  now  happy  that  it  is  not  in  me  to  weep  as  do 
others,  or  I  might  never  wipe  my  eyes.  I  preached  on  Isa. 
lvii,  18-21. 

Sunday,  10.  I  went  to  meeting  under  great  heaviness ;  and 


306 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [July,  1796. 


there  was  some  among  the  people.  I  dined  with  Wm.  Moore, 
where  I  prophesied  seventeen  years  ago.  How  few  are  left 
now  that  heard  me  then ! 

Monday,  11.  The  heat  has  been  for  some  time,  and  still  is, 
excessive ;  I  doubt  if  it  be  not  equal  to  that  in  Georgia  and  the 
islands.  We  rode  fifteen  miles  to  Quantee's  chapel ;  where 
we  had  a  number  of  gay  people ;  but  it  appeared  as  if  they 
did  not  understand  or  even  hear  what  I  said.  We  have  rea- 
son to  praise  God  for  an  abatement  of  the  heat  of  the  weather, 
which,  had  it  continued,  would  have  been  insupportable.  We 
had  excessive  rain,  attended  with  thunder  and  lightning. 

We  came  to  Snow  Hill,  on  Pocomoke  River.  I  called  on 
the  weeping  widow  Bowen,  whose  late  husband,  after  being 
the  principal  in  building  a  house  for  divine  worship,  died  in 
peace.  Here  I  met  about  one  thousand  people  :  being  unable 
to  command  the  congregation  from  the  pulpit,  I  stood  in  one 
of  the  doors,  and  preached  to  those  who  were  out  of  the 
house. 

I  rode  eight  miles  to  the  sea-shore  ;  when  we  came  near 
we  felt  the  cool  sea  breeze  very  powerfully.  I  lodged  with 
S.'Evans,  whose  house  I  visited  sixteen  years  ago :  here  are 
two  people  above  seventy  years  of  age,  who  have  lived  toge- 
ther forty-eight  years. 

Tuesday,  19.    We  rode  forty  miles  to  Lewistown ;  we 

stopped  to  dine  near  H  's  grand  mill-seat.    My  spirits  of 

late  keep  up  greatly,  not  being  subject  to  depression  as  here- 
tofore. It  cleared  away  about  noon,  and  gave  us  the  oppor- 
tunity of  riding  two  miles  out  of  Lewistown,  after  preaching 
to  the  brethren  and  the  Africans.  I  dined  with  Mr.  Shanklin, 
wlftse  house  was  the  first  that  was  opened  to  me  in  this 
place.  We  then  urged  our  way  up  ■  the  county,  and 
escaped  the  rain  until  we  came  within  two  miles  of  Milford  ; 
it  then  poured  down  very  heavily,  and  we  came  in  dripping 
about  eight  o'clock. 

Friday,  22.  We  had  a  living  love-feast :  many  opened 
their  mouths,  but  spoke  too  much  of  what  was  past.  We 
had  an  exceeding  great  company,  to  whom  I  preached  on 


Aug.,  1796.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


307 


Isaiah  lxii,  12.  The  two  following  days,  Saturday  and  San- 
day,  I  attended  Dover  quarterly  meeting  ;  where  I  suppose 
we  had  nearly  two  thousand  people.  It  was  a  living,  open 
season :  there  was  great  sweetness  and  love  among  the 
brethren. 

Monday,  25.  About  thirty-five  minutes  before  I  began 
meeting,  I  received  the  last  loving  request  of  our  dear  brother 
William  Jessop,  which  was  to  preach  his  funeral  sermon :  I 
had  my  difficulties  in  speaking,  and  the  people  in  hearing,  of 
a  man  so  well  known  and  so  much  beloved :  he  was  always 
solemn ;  and  few  such  holy,  steady  men,  have  been  found 
amongst  us.  I  stopped  at  Middletown,  Wilmington,  and 
Chester,  on  my  way  to  Philadelphia. 

Pennsylvania. —  Thursday,  28.  I  preached  on  Psalm 
xxiii,  24.  I  have  thought  that  we  should  preach  as  if  we 
expected  no  help  from  the  people  ;  yea,  as  if  we  believed  that 
enemies  of  God  and  us  were  in  the  congregation.  I  began 
meeting  classes  in  the  city.  I  had  some  pleasure  in  receiving 
news  of  a  revival  of  religion  in  the  South ;  likewise  from  the 
Eastern  States.  But  there  are  great  failures  among  the 
preachers  on  account  of  health,  <fec,  preventing  their  travel- 
ling and  standing  to  the  work.  Brother  Blanton  has  given 
me  an  account  of  the  late  fire  in  Charleston,  and  says  that 
about  five  hundred  houses  are  destroyed. 

Saturday,  30.  I  began  reading  Mr.  Fletcher's  Portrait  of 
St.  Paul :  the  notes  are  significant,  and  show  what  a  minister 
of  the  Gospel  ought  to  be,  and  what  he  may  be  through 
grace. 

Sunday,  31.  I  had  some  life  and  more  liberty  at  Ebenezer 
in  the  morning  at  five  o'clock :  I  must  needs  attend  the  Se- 
cond African  church ;  and  at  half-past  seven  o'clock,  in  the 
great  unwieldy  house  and  congregation  in  Fourth-street,  I 
preached  on  John  i,  17. 

Monday,  August  1.  I  drew  the  outlines  of  a  subscription, 
that  may  form  a  part  of  a  constitution  of  a  general  fund,  for 
the  sole  purpose  of  supporting  the  travelling  ministry;  to 
have  respect, 


308 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL  [Aug.,  179G 


First,  To  the  single  men  that  suffer  and  are  in  want. 
Secondly,  To  the  married  travelling  preachers. 
Thirdly,  To  the  worn-out  preachers. 

Fourthly,  The  widows  and  orphans  of  those  who  have  lived 
and  died  in  the  work.  And 

Fifthly,  To  enable  the  yearly  conference  to  employ  more 
married  men  ;  and,  finally,  to  supply  the  wants  of  all  the 
travelling  preachers,  under  certain  regulations  and  restrictions, 
as  the  state  of  the  fund  will  admit. 

Thursday,  4.  I  was  called  upon  by  the  African  society  in 
Campington  to  open  their  new  house,  which  I  did,  on  Rom.  i, 
16-18,  and  had  an  unwieldy  congregation  of  white  and  black. 
Brother  D.  gave  a  lively  exhortation  on  the  new  birth. 

Friday,  5.  Having  concluded  on  the  presentation  of  the 
subscription,  I  hasted  with  it  from  house  to  house.  After 
dinner  we  came  to  Germantown,  where  I  preached  in  the 
academy  at  six  o'clock  to  a  large  congregation  of  women.  I 
lodged  once  more  at  the  house  of  mother  Steele  and  her 
daughter  Lusby  ;  having  had  an  acquaintance  of  twenty-two 
years. 

New-Jersey. — Sunday,  7.  It  being  rainy  in  the  morning, 
my  congregation  was  not  very  large  at  Trenton.  I  preached 
on  Isaiah  lxii,  10.  1.  The  charge  to  the  ministry  to  go 
through  the  gates  as  ministers  and  Christians.  2.  Prepare 
the  way — removing  all  the  difficulties.  3.  Cast  up  the  high- 
way— repentance,  regeneration,  and  sanctification.  4.  Gather 
out  the  stones — wicked  ministers  and  people.  5.  Set  up  the 
standard — that  is,  form  the  Christian  church  ;  give  the  stand- 
aid  of  Christian  doctrine  and  experience.  In  the  afternoon  I 
preached  on  Heb.  x,  38.  It  is  a  dry  time,  and  we  cannot 
get  along :  I  was  sorry  I  did  not  preach  in  the  street. 

Monday,  8.  We  directed  our  course  through  the  Jerseys 
towards  New-York ;  passing  through  Pennytown,  and  along 
an  agreeable,  well-improved  part  of  the  country. 

Tuesday,  9.  We  made  our  way  twenty-five  miles  to  brother 
M'Collough's,  near  Schooley's  Mountain — properlv  a  remnant 
of  the  Blue  Ridge.    After  a  good  meeting  at  brother  M'C.'s, 


Aug.,  1796.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


309 


we  went  to  lay  the  foundation  of  a  new  meeting-house :  we 
sung  pari  of  Dr.  Watts's  hymn  on  The  Corner- Stone,  and 
prayed.  I  then  had  to  lend  a  hand  to  lay  the  mighty  comer- 
stone  of  the  house  :  we  then  sung  and  prayed,  and  retired  to 
brother  Budd's,  an  Israelite  indeed  ;  my  never-failing  friend 
in  time,  and  I  hope  will  be  to  all  eternity. 

Wednesday,  10.  I  thought  it  good  not  to  be  idle,  so  I  went 
to  Hacketstown,  and  preached  on,  "  The  promise  is  to  you, 
and  to  your  children,"  &c. ;  we  had  few  people,  but  a  feeling, 
serious  time.  Thence  we  rode  to  Dover,  where  we  had  many 
people  at  a  short  warning :  I  admired  the  solemnity  of  the 
women ;  the  men  appeared  to  be  outdone  with  the  heat  and 
labours  of  the  day. 

Friday,  12.  We  rode  twenty  miles  to  brother  Dickinson's: 
he  is  now  an  official  character  among  us,  and  can  remember, 
when  he  was  a  child,  how  godly  men  came  to  the  house  of 
his  father,  preaching,  praying,  and  talking  about  religion,  as 
was  the  case  at  my  father's  house  when  I  was  a  child. 

Saturday,  13.  I  rode  to  Elizabethtown,  where  I  preached  : 
the  next  day  I  met  the  classes.  Having  heard  many  things 
of  Mr.  Austin,  many  of  which  were  very  wild,  I  went  and 
heard  for  myself :  he  explained  the  22d  chapter  of  the  Reve- 
lation of  Jesus  Christ  to  St.  John,  and  applied  it  to  the  Millen- 
nium and  reign  of  Christ  upon  earth  :  his  foretelling  the  time 
and  place  of  the  coming  and  kingdom  of  Christ ;  General 
Washington  being  Zerubbabel,  and  himself  Joshua  the  high 
priest,  and  the  ploughing  up  of  a  certain  field — all  this  ap- 
peared to  me  like  wildness  of  the  brain. 

Monday,  15.  We  rode  to  New- York :  whilst  crossing  the 
ferry  some  foolish,  wicked  people,  uttered  so  many  damns, 
that  I  was  a  little  afraid  the  Lord  would  sink  the  boat :  I 
asked  a  man  if  he  had  any  chalk  to  lend  me  that  I  might 
mark  down  the  curses  the  company  gave  us  on  our  passage 
of  thirty  or  forty  minutes.  I  was  taken  up  in  meeting  classes, 
and  visiting  from  house  to  house  a  good  deal  of  my  time  in 
the  day,  and  I  frequently  preached  at  night.  I  read  Watson's 
Apology  for  the  Bible. 


310 


ASBUllY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Aug.,  1796. 


Sunday,  21.  I  went  over  to  Brooklyn,  where  we  have  a 
small  society  :  I  had  very  few  hearers  except  those  who  came 
from  the  city.  I  administered  the  sacrament,  and  we  had 
some  life.  We  then  returned  to  the  city,  where  I  preached 
in  the  afternoon  to  about  one  thousand  six  hundred  people, 
some  of  whom  were  wicked  and  wild  enough.  The  preachers 
had  pity  upon  me,  and  desired  me  to  preach  only  twice  this 
Sabbath.  In  my  own  sold  I  feel  happy,  but  on  account  of 
the  Church  of  God,  and  poor  sinners,  awful.  It  appears  as 
necessary  to  preach  conviction  and  conversion  among  our  own, 
as  among  other  congregations.  0  !  when  will  the  Lord  ap- 
pear as  in  ancient  times  ? 

Monday,  22.  I  met  three  living  classes;  several  among 
whom  professed  perfect  love.  The  weather  is  excessively 
warm  and  dry :  people  are  sickly  and  dying,  especially  chil- 
dren ;  I  find  my  body  very  weak  :  preaching  at  night,  added 
to  the  mosquitoes,  causes  me  to  sleep  very  little. 

Wednesday,  24.  We  have  still  very  great  heat :  it  appears  to 
me  to  be  unhealthy,  judgment  weather :  I  feel  almost  spent.  I 
generally  walk  three  or  four  miles  a  day,  pray  ten  or  twelve 
times,  in  the  congregation,  families,  and  classes ;  my  sleep  is 
interrupted  with  pain  and  heat. 

Thursday,  25.  I  was  much  fatigued  in  meeting  classes  and 
visiting  from  house  to  house ;  but  the  Lord  was  present  to 
bless,  which  gave  me  consolation.  In  the  evening  we  had  a 
full  house  ;  I  was  uncommonly  assisted  in  preaching ;  and 
there  was  much  weeping  in  the  congregation.  It  is  impos- 
sible to  preach  to  these  people  till  you  are  well  acquainted 
with  them  ;  but  here  I  have  no  continuing  city :  next  week  I 
go  hence. 

Sunday,  28.  I  preached  in  the  morning  at  the  old  church ; 
in  the  afternoon  at  the  new  church,  on  Heb.  ii,  3  ;  and  in  the 
evening  at  the  old  church  again,  on  Rev.  iii,  2,  3,  besides 
.meeting  six  classes  in  the  course  of  the  day  :  in  general  I 
have  had  no  extraordinary  assistance  in  preaching  of  late. 

Brother  L  preached  twice  in  the  north  end  of  Broadway  ; 

the  congregation  appeared  serious  and  attentive.  Kotwith- 


Starr.,  1T9G.1 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


311 


standing  the  labours  of  the  day  were  considerable,  I  was  not 
much  wearied.  In  meeting  the  society,  I  observed  to  them, 
that  they  knew  but  little  of  my  life  and  labours,  unless  in  the 
pulpit,  family,  or  class  meetings;  that  they  were  unac- 
quainted with  my  labours  even  in  that  city,  much  less  could 
they  tell  where  I  had  been,  and  what  I  had  been  doing  for 
one  year. 

Tuesday,  30.  I  delivered  my  concluding  discourse  on 
Isaiah  lvii,  18  : — 1.  The  penitent  backslider ;  2.  The  Lord  hath 
seen  his  ways;  3.  Healing  him;  4.  Leading  him;  5.  Restoring 
comforts  to  him.  "We  had  some  serious,  feeling  souls  at  our 
meeting. 

Wednesday,  31.  I  had  a  meeting  with  the  leaders  in  close 
conference,  and  found  it  necessary  to  explain  some  parts  of 
our  discipline  to  them,  particularly  that  of  the  right  of  preach- 
ers to  expell  members,  when  tried  before  the  society  or  a 
"  select  number,"  and  found  guilty  of  a  breach  of  the  law  of 
God  and  our  rules  ;  and  that  if  an  appeal  were  made,  it  should 
be  brought  before  the  quarterly-meeting  conference,  composed 
of  travelling  and  local  preachers,  leaders,  and  stewards,  and 
finally  be  determined  by  a  majority  of  votes.  I  found  it  also 
needful  to  observe  there  was  such  a  thing  as  heresy  in  the 
Church ;  and  I  know  not  what  it  is  if  it  be  not  to  deny  the 
Lord  that  bought  them,  and  the  eternity  of  the  punishment 
of  the  damned,  as  is  virtually  done  by  the  Universalists. 
Srkism  is  not  dividing  hypocrites  from  hypocrites,  formal 
professors  from  people  of  their  own  caste ".  it  is  not  dividing 
nominal  Episcopalians  from  each  other,  nominal  Methodists 
from  nominal  Methodists,  or  nominal  Quakers  from  nominal 
Quakers,  &c.  But  schism  is  the  dividing  real  Christians  from 
each  other,  and  breaking  the  unity  of  the  Spirit.  I  met  the 
trustees  ;  and  after  going  hither  and  thither,  and  being  much 
spent  with  labour  through  the  day,  I  gave  them  a  discourse 
at  the  new  house,  (in  the  evening,)  on  Acts  xx,  32.  My  at- 
tempt was  feeble  but  faithful. 

Friday,  September  2.  I  left  the  city,  stopped  at  father  Oak- 
ley's, twenty  miles  from  New-York,  where  a  few  people  came 


312 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         TSei-t.,  1706. 


together,  to  whom  I  preached  on  Acts  iv,  12  ;  and  at  night  I 
was  enabled  to  take  a  little  rest. 

Saturday,  3.  Notwithstanding  the  rain  I  rode  twelve  miles 
to  the  White  Plains  quarterly  meeting,  where  I  enlarged  on 
Ephes.  vi,  13-18  ;  being  Paul's  exhortation  to  the  use  of  the 
whole  armour  of  God.  I  was  in  great  heaviness  through 
temptation  and  infirmity  of  body.  I  lodged  with  Elijah  Craw- 
ford :  this  house  is  for  God. 

Sunday,  4.  I  was  very  low,  but  attended  the  love-feast ; 
I  stood  in  one  of  the  windows,  and  preached  very  loud  to  a 
large  congregation,  on  Heb.  xii,  25.  There  were  some  feeling, 
gracious  souls  present.  I  was  desired  to  preach  in  Bedford, 
but  declined  it  for  several  reasons.  I  cannot  stand  such  con- 
stant exertions.  I  have  felt  very  severe  pain  in  one  of  my 
shoulders,  much  like  that  I  experienced  after  Cecil  quarterly 
meeting.  I  lodged  with  brother  Davis,  where  wc  had  the 
company  of  one  who  may  be  a  disciple  of  mine :  I  hope  to 
see  him  yet  in  the  kingdom  of  grace  and  glory :  if  he  should 
live  to  read  these  lines  he  will  know  whom  I  mean. 

Monday,  5.  I  rode  fifteen  miles  to  the  widow  Banks's,  to 
tarry  for  a  night.  My  soul  is  in  peace,  and  Christ  is  mine ; 
but  trouble  will  come  :  I  am  not  yet  all  immortal  and  at  rest ; 
my  rheumatic  affections  are  veiy  severe ;  I  was  imprudent  in 
making,  and  my  indisposition  prevented  my  attending  my  ap- 
pointments. 

Connecticut. — We  came  off  in  the  morning  for  Rending ; 
fed  at  Ridgefield,  and  reached  my  journey's  end  about  one 
o'clock,  about  twenty-three  miles.  On  my  way  I  dined  with 
lawyer  Smith,  and  preached  at  Sanford's,  on  1  Peter  i,  13-15  : 
in  doing  which  I  pointed  out, — 1.  The  most  leading  features 
that  formed  the  character  of  the  people  addressed — elect,  be- 
gotten again ;  scattered  abroad  by  persecution  and  by  the 
ministry  of  the  word ;  suffering  ministers  and  saints  of  God : 
2.  The  subject  on  which  they  were  addressed — to  gird  vp  the 
loins  of  their  mind,  and  hope  for  great  grace  when  Christ  shall 
appear  to  overthrow  Jewish  superstition  and  heathen  idolatry  ; 
obedient  children,  to  fear,  trust  in,  and  love  the  Lord,  and  to 


Sept.,  1796.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


313 


keep  all  his  commandments — to  be  holy,  according  to  the 
nature  and  will  of  God,  and  his  great  and  gracious  promises. 

Wednesday,  1.  We  had  very  bad  roads  over  hills  and 
mighty  rocks  to  Oxford,  twenty-eight  miles  ;  and  after  dinner, 
eight  miles  more  to  Derby;  where  I  preached  in  brother 

H  's  house  to  about  sixty  people,  on,  "  If  the  righteous 

scarcely  be  saved,"  &c.  I  felt  ray  pain,  but  could  thank  the 
Lord  for  all  things. 

Thursday,  8.  Was  a  day  of  pain  to  my  body,  but  peace  to 
my  soid.  I  have  been  of  late  attending  quarterly  meetings, 
and  have  felt  great  heats  and  colds,  and  changes  of  weather. 
We  came  to  New-Haven,  where  I  preached  in  brother 
Thacher's  house,  near  the  foundation  of  the  college ;  we 
were  crowded,  and  I  was  elaborate  on  Rom.  i,  1G-18. 

Friday,  9.  We  rode  solitarily  on  the  sand  to  Middletown. 
We  dined  with  Captain  Hall,  who  received  us  kindly,  and  en- 
tertained us  comfortably. 

Saturday  and  Sunday,  10,  11.  We  had  many  brethren 
and  sisters  from  distant  towns,  at  the  quarterly  meeting :  here 
I  preached  on  1  Peter  iv,  12-15,  and  on  Isaiah  lxii,  12  ;  and 
was  much  at  liberty,  and  a  little  comforted  at  the  love-feast 
and  sacrament.  Walking  backward  and  forward  tended  to 
fatigue  my  body  as  well  as  speaking.  As  I  thought,  so  it  is, 
the  preachers  have  been  very  acceptable  to  the  people  this  year. 

Monday,  12.  I  came  to  Old  Haddam.  Here  they  have 
built  a  new  meeting-house  ;  and  there  are  some  gracious  souls 
here.  I  sensibly  felt  the  effects  of  heat  and  the  labours  of 
the  day.  We  made  it  fifteen  miles  to  father  Wilcox's.  I  con- 
clude, that  since  I  have  left  New-York  I  have  ridden  about 
one  hundred  and  forty  miles,  and  a  great  part  of  the  way  is 
rough  and  rocky ;  my  body  is  full  of  infirmities,  and  my  soul 
of  the  love  of  God.  I  think  that  God  is  returning  to  this 
place  ;  and  that  great  days  will  yet  come  on  in  New-England. 

Wednesday,  14.  Was  an  exceedingly  warm  day.  The 
Episcopal  house  here  is  grand  indeed.  We  passed  Hadlime ; 
thence  to  Millington,  where  we  had  many  to  hear  at  kind 
brother  P  's. 

Vol.  II.— 14 


314 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Sept.,  1796. 


Thursday,  15.  I  bad  twenty  miles  to  New-London.  My 
brethren  have  given  me  work  enough.  I  feel  like  a  man  of  a 
feeble  body,  but  my  soul  enjoys  a  sweet  calm  and  pure  love ; 
I  cannot  seek  or  desire  anything  but  God.  I  refused  to  go 
into  the  court-house  to  preach,  but  we  had  a  gracious  season 
at  a  dwelling-house. 

Friday,  16.  We  came  to  Pogustonick,  a  little  town  of  at- 
tentive people  :  I  preached  on,  "  The  Son  of  man  is  come  to 
seek  and  to  save  that  which  was  lost :"  an  aged  man  cried 
out,  and  rising  up  at  the  close  of  the  meeting,  delivered  his 
testimony :  what  he  is  I  cannot  infallibly  say ;  he  spoke  in 
too  high  terms  of  me  to  my  face. 

Saturday,  17.  I  came  with  a  heavy  burden  to  Norwich 
Landing  ;  I  held  forth  in  the  academy  made  out  of  a  Separate 
meeting-house :  there  were  few  present  beside  the  brethren 
from  other  towns ;  I  enlarged  on,  "  If  ye  be  reproached  for 
the  cause  of  Christ,  happy  are  ye,  for  the  spirit  of  glory  and 
of  God  resteth  upon  you;  on  their  part  he  is  evil  spoken  of, 
but  on  your  part  he  is  glorified."  The  persons  under  suffer- 
ings— those  who  were  the  friends  to,  and  followers  of,  Jesus — 
partakers  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  as  a  spirit  of  glory  teaching 
them  to  believe,  to  love,  and  suffer,  and  give  glory  to  God 
and  Christ. 

Sunday,  18.  We  held  our  feast  of  charity  at  eight  o'clock : 
it  was  a  sweet,  refreshing  season ;  several  talked  very  feel- 
ingly, among  whom  were  some  aged  people ;  many  praised 
God  for  the  instrumentality  of  the  Methodists  in  their  salva- 
tion. My  spirit  felt  awful  this  morning,  and  my  body  unwell ; 
however,  at  the  time  appointed  I  began  preaching  on  Romans 
viii,  6-8.  A  Universalist  had  his  book  and  pen,  or  pencil,  I 
suppose,  ready  to  take  down  my  discourse ;  I  said,  "  Stop, 
let  that  gentleman  write  ;"  but  it  appeared  as  though  his 

fingers  or  heart  failed  him  :  brother  P  g  had  preached  a 

sermon  in  that  house,  which  had  been  printed  and  traduced. 
Serious  impressions  appeared  to  be  made  on  the  minds  of 
some  of  the  audience.  After  spending  about  four  hours  in 
the  congregation,  (including  sacrament  and  love-feast,)  I 


Sept.,  1796.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


315 


passed  the  afternoon  in  retirement  at  my  lodgings,  being  un- 
well. This  day  I  was  led  out  greatly  for  New-England ;  I 
believe  God  will  work  among  this  people  ;  perhaps  they  have 
not  had  such  a  time  here  for  many  years  :  the  power  of  God 
was  present ;  some  felt  as  at  heaven's  gate — two  or  three 
aged  women  spoke  as  on  the  borders  of  eternity,  and  within 
sight  of  glory.  Cold  as  the  evening  was,  I  was  under  the 
disagreeable  necessity  of  riding  ten  miles ;  I  crossed  the  Illy- 
mantink  at  Lloyd's  bridge,  and  came  in  late  to  brother  Fuller's. 
I  was  pleased  to  hear  an  aged  mother  (formerly  a  Separatist) 
tell  the  dealings  of  God  with  her  before  her  daughter  (now 
brother  Fuller's  wife)  was  born. 

Monday,  19.  We  rode  through  Windham,  Scotland,  and 

Abingdon.    After  dining  at  Captain  P  's,  we  rode  on  to 

Thompson  ;  a  few  of  the  preachers  were  present,  and  we  were 
able  to  form  a  conference.  We  talked  together,  and  rejoiced 
in  the  Lord.  That  evening  and  the  next  morning,  Tuesday 
20,  and  Wednesday,  21,  we  were  closely  employed ;  we  had 
about  thirty  preachers,  some  of  whom  were  from  the  Province 
of  Maine,  three  hundred  miles  distant,  who  gave  us  a  pleasing 
relation  of  the  work  of  God  in  those  parts.  I  delivered  a 
discourse  on  Acts  xxvi,  18,  19,  and  we  ordained  seven  dea- 
cons and  five  elders.  About  four  o'clock  I  took  my  leave  of 
town,  and  stopped  at  Eastford,  and  saw  father  ,  a  so- 
lemn saint — lamenting  the  decline  of  religion  among  the 
Baptists. 

Thursday,  22.  We  rode  thirty-five  miles  to  East-Hartford, 
where  I  gave  a  discoiirse  to  a  few,  on  Zcph.  iii,  12,  13.  Fri- 
day, 23,  we  rode  to  Waterbury,  where  I  preached  in  the 
Separate  meeting-house  at  four  o'clock.  Had  we  not  fallen 
in  with  Mr.  B.,  we  might  have  missed  our  way,  and  not  have 
reached  the  place  till  sunset. 

Saturday,  24.  We  passed  along  an  exceedingly  uneven 
and  rocky  road  through  Salem  and  Oxford  ;  the  appointment 
Avas  not  made  in  the  latter  place,  so  we  dined  on  what  came 
to  hand.  Came  on  to  New-Stratford,  and  thence  to  the 
widow  B  's  in  North-Stratford.    I  have  been  under  great 


31G 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1796. 


heaviness,  and  was  unwell  in  body.  We  have  ridden  upwards 
of  one  hundred  miles  in  the  last  three  days  ;  but  still  I  must 
go  on  ;  there  is  no  rest.  I  attended  at  Chesnut-Hill,  and 
preached  on  1  Thess.  i,  5  :  a  flatness  among  these  people  was 
very  visible.  This  was  the  first  house  that  was  built  for  the 
Methodists  in  Connecticut,  and  it  is  not  finished  yet. 

Monday,  26.  We  rode  along  to  Fairfield,  Norwalk,  and 
arrived  at  Stamford,  about  twenty-eight  or  thirty  miles.  On 
our  way  we  stopped  to  feed  our  horses,  and  found  a  woman 
that  was  sick,  with  whom  I  talked  and  prayed.  I  felt  as  if  I 
should  not  preach  again  in  haste,  if  at  all,  in  Stamford.  We 
crossed  the  State  line  and  came  to  New-Rochelle,  in  the  State 
of  New-York,  twenty-three  miles — heavy  and  hungry.  We 
stopped  at  Clark's,  where  I  preached  on  Isaiah  lxii,  1,  and  we 
were  crowded  Avith  people.  I  enjoy  peace  of  mind,  but  am 
deeply  tempted  ;  yet  few  minutes  pass  in  which  my  soul  is 
not  engaged  in  prayer. 

Nuw-York. — Thursday,  29.  I  preached  on  Luke  xii : 
"  AVlio  then  is  a  faithful  and  wise  servant,"  &c.  I  began  to 
confer  with  the  brethren  as  they  came  in,  and  do  the  business 
by  scraps,  as  we  could  come  at  it.  We  were  in  doubt  whe- 
ther some  of  the  preachers  would  come  at  all,  on  account  of 
the  rumours  of  the  yellow  fever,  which  still  appeared  in  parts 
of  the  city.  On  Friday,  we  entered  fully  into  our  work  ;  and 
on  Saturday  we  concluded  our  short  conference,  the  preachers 
being  desirous  to  depart.  We  had  a  solemn,  peaceable  sitting ; 
and  so  also  were  our  congregations.  I  preached  at  our  house 
in  John-street  on  Mark  ix,  1  :  "  There  be  some  standing  here 
which  shall  not  taste  of  death  until  they  have  seen  the  king- 
dom of  God  come  with  power ;"  but  I  had  little  opening. 

Sunday,  October  2.  I  preached  at  the  house  in  John-street, 
on  Eph.  iv,  11-13,  and  had  great  enlargement:  the  feelings 
of  the  people  were  touched,  and  my  own  also,  as  if  it  had 
been  the  last  time,  as  it  probably  may  be  with  some  of  my 
hearers,  if  not  myself :  I  could  not  have  been  much  more 
moved  ;  it  was  with  difficulty  I  could  continue  speaking.  In 
the  afternoon,  at  the  new  house,  there  was  also  a  move  in  the 


Oct.,  1796.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


317 


congregation  whilst  I  enlarged  on  1  Cor.  iv,  10,  11.  I  or- 
dained in  both  houses  in  all  eight  deacons  and  seven  elders, 
and  was  on  my  feet  six  hours  in  the  course  of  this  day. 

Monday,  3.  In  the  morning  the  weather  had  a  stormy  ap- 
pearance, so  that  no  passage  was  to  he  had  at  Powles  Hook. 

We  were  as  yet  safe  on  shore,  but  brothers  R  and  E  

went  to  Whitehall,  where  they  foimd  a  boat  that  would  sail, 
sink  or  sivim,  for  Van  Deezer's  Landing,  upon  Staten  Island : 
I  did  not  like  the  appearance  of  things,  but  submitted  to  go, 
with  a  high  tide  and  the  wind  at  N.  E.  We  passed  the  bay, 
ten  miles  over,  in  the  space  of  an  hour :  when  we  were  within 
one  mile  of  the  dock  the  wind  shifted  to  N.  W.  and  blew 
powerfully :  the  people  on  shore  were  alarmed,  and  had  the 
skiff  ready  to  take  us  up,  expecting  we  should  fill  and  sink, 
or  be  beaten  off  and  strike  the  rocks :  after  some  time  we  se- 
cured the  boat,  landed  the  men,  but  left  the  landing  of  the 
horses  for  better  weather.  We  dined,  and  rode  up  to  the 
Blazing  Star,  greatly  against  my  inclination.  At  the  ferry, 
the  men  were  unwilling  to  move,  and  kept  us  on  the  bleak 
marsh  sometime:  when  they  came,  they  told  us  in  anger,  it 
was  at  our  own  risk  of  men  and  horses  if  we  ventured.  We 
suddenly  turned  and  went  to  a  friend's  house,  fed,  and  dried 
a  little,  and  then  rode  twelve  miles  more,  and  stopped  within 
a  mile  of  Amboy  ferry. 

New-Jersey. —  Tuesday,  4.  We  came  to  the  Ferry;  and 
after  being  detained  about  an  hour,  we  made  out  to  get  a  pas- 
sage. Here  we  met  with  the  preachers  who  had  been  re- 
tarded in  their  journey  by  the  late  storm.  I  pushed  along, 
wear)-  and  unwell,  to  brother  Hutchinson's ;  and  next  day, 
faint,  though  cheerful,  we  reached  Burlington. 

Thursday,  6.  We  reached  Philadelphia  about  noon ;  my 
mind  is  in  peace,  but  my  body  and  spirits  fail.  Here  I  met 
my  old  friend  Andrews,  from  Hartford,  in  England,  after 
twenty-six  years'  absence.  Friday  I  rested  a  little,  and  ar- 
ranged the  minutes  for  the  present  year. 

Pennsylvania.—  Saturday,  8.  Was  spent  in  preparing  for 
the  ensuing  conference. 


318 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Oct.,  1796. 


Sunday,  9.  At  Zoar  chapel,  the  church  of  the  second  Af- 
rican society,  in  Campingtown,  I  enlarged  on  "  Ye  were  as 
sheep  going  astray,  but  are  now  returned  to  the  shepherd  and 
bishop  of  your  souls."  In  the  afternoon,  at  Ebenezer,  my  sub- 
ject was  Psalm  Ixxxi,  11-16.  In  the  evening  in  St.  George's 
my  discourse  was  like  a  storm,  from  Mark  xvi,  19,  20.  I  ob- 
served that  Jesus  sent  out  his  disciples ;  when  he  went  tc 
rest,  they  went  to  labour.  The  signs  of  their  mission  were 
miracles,  and  the  signs  that  followed  their  ministry,  convic- 
tions and  conversions  ;  the  hinderances  they  had  to  expect,  and 
the  qualifications  granted  them  everywhere  ;  and  his  not  leav- 
ing them  witkout  witnesses. 

Monday,  1 0.  We  opened  a  conference  of  between  forty  and 
fifty  preachers ;  we  had  great  love  and  great  riches  also : 
never  before  have  we  been  able  to  pay  the  preachers  their 
salaries  ;  at  this  conference  we  have  done  it,  and  had  two  hun- 
dred dollars  left  for  debts  and  difficulties  the  preachers  had 
been  involved  in.  I  was  pleased  to  hear  such  wholesome  talk 
by  our  plain  countrymen.    I  sat  with  great  pleasure  and  heard 

G.  R  r-,  on,  "  We  beseech  you  that  ye  receive  not  the  grace 

of  God  in  vain ;"  as  also  I.  W  ,  on,  "  Feeding  the  flock  of 

God  ;"  and  J.  P  ,  on,  "  The  fountain  opened  for  sin  and  for 

uncleanness." 

Friday,  14.  We  set  apart  as  a  day  of  fasting  and  humilia- 
tion, and  for  ordination.  I  was  pleased  to  dismiss  the  con- 
ference from  their  confinement  in  business,  and  gave  a  discourse 
on,  "  Humble  yourselves  under  the  mighty  hand  of  God."  I 
now  felt  -willing  to  rest  both  mind  and  body.  We  heard  by 
the  newspapers  of  the  arrival  of  Doctor  Coke  in  the  United 
States. 

Saturday,  15.  We  dined  at  Chester  with  my  dear  old 
friend  M.  Withy,  and  came  in  the  evening  to  Wilmington. 

Delaware. — Sabbath  day,  16.  The  morning  was  rainy,  but 
we  had  a  few  serious  people  to  whom  I  preached  on  Rev.  ii, 
1-7.  My  soul  enjoys  sweet  peace.  Being  in  haste  to  get  to 
Baltimore,  we  rode  on  the  Sabbath  afternoon  to  my  old  friend 
S.  Heansey's;  of  this  I  am  not  fond,  and  where  necessity 


Nov.,  1V90.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


319 


does  not  compel  me,  rarely  do  it.  I  turned  out  of  the  way 
on  Monday  to  preach  at  Bethel,  in  the  place  of  Doctor  Coke  ; 
my  subject  was,  "  Let  us  labour  to  enter  into  that  rest,  lest 
any  man  fall  after  the  same  example  of  unbelief."  It  was  a 
happy  season.  In  the  course  of  the  day  I  rode  thirty-five 
miles  and  lodged  at  North  East. 

Tuesday,  18.  We  rode  to  Perry  Hall,  and  were  enter- 
tained with  the  greatest  kindness. 

Maryland. —  Wednesday,  19.  We  came  to  Baltimore, 
where  about  a  hundred  preachers  were  met  for  general  con- 
ference. They  agreed  to  a  committee,  and  then  complained ; 
upon  which  we  dissolved  ourselves.  I  preached  on,  "  The 
men  of  Issachar  that  knew  what  Israel  ought  to  do ;"  and 
again,  on,  "  Neither  as  being  lords  over  God's  heritage,  but 
being  ensamples  to  the  flock:"  there  were  souls  awakened 
and  converted.  No  angry  passions  were  felt  amongst  the 
preachers ;  we  had  a  great  deal  of  good  and  judicious  talk. 
The  conference  rose  on  Thursday,  the  3d  of  November : 
what  we  have  done  is  printed. .  Bishop  Coke  was  cordially 
received,  as  my  friend  and  colleague,  to  be  wholly  for  Ame- 
rica, unless  a  way  should  be  opened  to  France.  At  •  this 
conference  there  was  a  stroke  aimed  at  the  president  elder- 
ship. I  am  thankful  that  our  session  is  over.  My  soul  and 
body  have  health,  and  have  hard  labour.  Brother  Whatcoat 
is  going  to  the  south  of  Virginia,  brother  M'Claskey  is  going 
to  New-Jersey,  brother  Ware  to  Pennsylvania,  and  brother 
Hutchinson  to  New- York  and  Connecticut :  very  great  and 
good  changes  have  taken  place. 

Friday,  November  4.  We  reached  the  widow  Dorsey's  by 
riding  an  hour  in  the  night.  I  took  a  cold  ;  and  a  boil  on  my 
face  makes  me  uncomfortable. 

Virginia. — Saturday,  5.  We  rode  twenty  miles ;  and  on 
Sabbath  morning  we  came  directly  to  Alexandria.  Doctor 
Coke  preached  on,  "  The  wise  men  that  came  to  Jesus :" 
brother  Whatcoat  and  myself  exhorted. 

Monday,  1.  We  came  to  Captain  Ward's :  he  is  gone  to 
sea,  but  his  wife  made  us  welcome.    Tuesday,  8,  we  rode 


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[Nov.,  1796. 


through  awful  Fredericksburgh  to  Todd's  tavern :  men  and 
horses  being  weak  and  weary  we  contentedly  stopped. 

Wednesday,  9.   We  came  about  thirty  miles  to  Ellis's 

tavern,  and  there,  as  well  as  at  T  's,  we  were  kindly  and 

genteelly  entertained  at  a  reasonable  expense.  The  next  day 
we  stretched  on  to  Richmond :  and  who  could  be  kinder  and 
more  pleased  to  see  us,  and  make  poor  sickly  travellers  wel- 
come, than  Mr.  Parrot  and  wife  ?  Here  I  persuaded  Dr. 
Coke  to  rest  a  day. 

Saturday,  12.  Brother  Whatcoat  and  myself  came  to  bro- 
ther Waltham's,  near  Chesterfield  court-house.  We  preached 
to  a  few  people,  refitted  a  little  better,  and  the  next  day  came 
to  brother  Featherston's,  where  I  gave  them  a  short  discourse. 
We  dined  and  came  on  to  Petersburg,  and  spent  the  evening 
at  J.  Harding's.  I  Mas  much  pained  with  the  boil  on  my 
face,  and  another  on  my  eye.  Here  I  heard  Dr.  C.  preach, 
and  I  gave  an  exhortation. 

Monday,  14.  I  must  needs  call  and  see  my  old  friends, 
Wood,  Tucker  and  wife,  and  talked  a  little,  prayed,  and 
parted.  We  then  went  forward,  calling  on  Richard  Graves, 
an  old  disciple.  Thence  to  mother  Maybury's,  in  Greensville, 
where  I  have  often  had  a  comfortable  night's  lodging. 

Thursday,  15.  Our  conference  began  at  brother  Batt's,  a 
most  convenient  house,  and  very  kind  people.  We  sat  in 
great  peace  and  good  order.  A  few  preachers  declined 
travelling.  We  elected  and  ordained  six  elders  and  nine 
deacons.  The  deficiencies  of  the  preachers  amounted  to 
upwards  of  £194  Virginia  currency. 

Sabbath  day,  20.  Doctor  Coke  gave  a  comment  on  the 
twentieth  chapter  of  the  Revelation  of  Jesus  Christ  by  St. 
John,  and  then  a  sermon  on  Luke  xiv,  26:  "He  that  loveth 
father  and  mother  more  than  me,"  &c.  I  then  gave  a  short 
exhortation,  and  ended  the  service  of  that  pleasant  day. 

Monday,  21.  I  visited,  perhaps  for  the  last  time,  mother 
Maybury,  who  is  aged  and  swiftly  declining.  I  also  visited 
brothers  B.  and  D.,  and  then  rode  once  more  to  Robert  Jones's, 
in  Sussex  county.    Here  I  had  a  few  moments'  leisure  to  write 


Nov.,  1796.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


321 


and  recollect  myself,  after  being  so  closely  employed  in  con- 
ferences and  company. 

Tuesday,  22.  I  preached  at  Jay's  chapel  to  about  one 
hundred  people,  with  whom  I  had  a  comfortable  season  on 
2  Peter  iii,  17,  18.  I  noticed,  I.  The  appellation,  beloved. 
II.  That  of  the  wicked,  which  I  distinguished  into  three 
classes  : — 1.  Those  that  make  no  profession  of  religion,  and 
are  openly  wicked.  2.  Those  who  have  been  awakened  and 
may  have  enjoyed  religion,  but  have  fallen  from  it.  3.  Those 
who  profess  the  highest  attainments  in  religion  and  yet  live  in 
known  sin  : — the  error  of  tlie  wicked,  infidelity  in  theory,  or 
practice,  or  both ;  which  embraces  the  abovementioned 
classes  of  the  wicked — groio  in  grace — to  grow  in  the  graces 
of  the  Spirit,  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour,  now 
and  forever  ;  the  glory  due  to  Christ  in  his  kingdom  of  grace 
and  glory. 

Wednesday,  23.  I  rode  to  brother  Davis's,  about  twenty- 
seven  miles.  On  my  way  I  visited  brother  Grains  and  mo- 
ther. Brothers  Pennington,  Briggs,  and  Evans,  are  gone  to 
rest.  My  soul  enjoys  much  peace,  and  is  big  with  hope  that 
we  shall  have  a  greater  work  in  this  district  than  we  have 
ever  yet  had.  I  feel  happy  among  the  few  ancient  disciples 
who  are  left.  I  preached  once  more  at  Lane's  chapel,  and 
the  Lord  was  with  us.  My  subject  was  Jer.  xxxii,  38,  39. 
We  have  lost  about  twenty  members  of  this  society  by 
O'Kelly.    We  have  about  forty  left. 

Friday,  25,  was  a  cold  day,  but  we  rode  twenty-five  miles 
to  brother  Joseph  Wood's,  in  Isle  of  Wight  county.  Some 
of  our  brethren  riding  on  before,  called  a  night  meeting,  and 
we  were  comforted  together. 

My  mind  of  late  hath  been  in  great  peace.  I  am  glad  I 
have  not  contended  with  those  violent  men  who  were  once 
with  us.  We  ought  to  mind  our  work,  and  try  to  get  souls 
to  Christ ;  and  the  Lord  can  give  us  children,  "that  we 
shall  have  after  we  have  lost  our  former,"  that  shall  say  in 
our  hearing,  "  Give  place  that  there  may  be  room  for  us  to 
dwell."    We  had  a  very  winterly  morning,  but  we  rode  to 


322 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  fNov.,  1196. 


brother  Blunt's,  where  I  preached  to  many  people  on  Zeph. 
iii,  12,  13.    Notwithstanding  my  name  has  been  so  cast  out 

as  evil,  and  my  character  traduced,  I  ordained  brother  B  

and  another  brother,  after  taking  from  the  former  a  written 
declaration  of  his  opposition  to  slavery.  My  dear  aged  friends 
told  me  their  troubles  and  sorrow,  which  the  divisions  in  the 
societies  had  caused. 

Sabbath  day,  27.  Through  hard  necessity  I  rode  sixteen 
miles  to  brother  Cowling's,  in  Isle  of  Wight  county,  and  had 
three  rooms  in  the  house  filled,  and  there  were  some  of  the 
coloured  people  out  of  doors,  notwithstanding  the  coldness 
of  the  weather.  My  subject  was  Heb.  x,  37-39.  I  spoke 
with  great  rapidity  for  nearly  two  hours,  administered  the 
sacrament,  and  ordained  brother  Powell  to  the  office  of  a 
deacon.  It  was  time  for  me  to  visit  this  quarter  again,  lest 
some  should  think  I  was  afraid  to  come.  But  who  hath  been 
at  the  planting  of  the  gospel  in  the  sixteen  United  States  ? 
Had  I  none  but  Virginia  to  visit  I  could  show  myself 
oftener. 

Monday,  28.  We  crossed  a  small  ferry,  and  came  through 
Suffolk  to  brother  Jolliff 's,  twenty-two  miles.  I  had  solemn 
thoughts  while  I  passed  the  house  where  Robert  Williams 
lived  and  died,  whose  funeral  rites  I  performed.  The  weather 
is  remarkably  cold  for  the  season,  the  ice  being  more  than  an 
inch  thick  on  the  streams.  I  was  amazed  to  hear  that  my 
dear,  aged  friend,  Benjamin  Evans,  (now  gone  to  glory,)  was 
converted  to  the  new  side,  by  being  told  by  J.  O'Kelly  that  I 
had  offended  Mr.  Wesley,  and  that  he  being  about  calling 
me  to  account,  I  cast  him  off  altogether.  But,  query,  did  not 
J.  O'K.  set  aside  the  appointment  of  Richard  Whatcoat  ? 
and  did  not  the  conference  in  Baltimore  strike  that  minute 
out  of  our  discipline  which  was  called  a  rejecting  of  Mr.  Wes- 
ley? and  now  does  J.  O'K.  lay  all  the  blame  on  me?  It  is 
true,  I  never  approved  of  that  binding  minute.  I  did  not 
think  it  practical  expediency  to  obey  Mr.  Wesley,  at  three 
thousand  miles'  distance,  in  all  matters  relative  to  Church 
government  ;  neither  did   brother  Whatcoat,  nor  several 


Dec,  1796.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


32-3 


others.  At  the  first  general  conference  I  was  mute  and  mo- 
dest when  it  passed,  and  I  was  mute  when  it  was  expunged. 
For  this  Mr.  Wesley  blamed  me,  and  was  displeased  that  I 
did  not  rather  reject  the  whole  connexion,  or  leave  them,  if 
they  did  not  comply.  But  I  could  not  give  up  the  connexion 
so  easily,  after  labouring  and  suffering  so  many  years  with 
and  for  them.  After  preaching  at  Jolliff 's  we  rode  to  Ports- 
mouth, and  preached  in  the  evening,  where  we  had  many 
people  at  a  short  warning.  My  subjects  this  day  were 
1  John  i,  3,  4,  and  Isa.  i,  9.  We  visited  Norfolk,  and 
preached  at  noon,  Wednesday,  30,  on  1  Peter  ii,  11,  12  ;  at 
night,  on  1  Cor.  xv,  58. 

Thursday,  December  1.  I  returned  to  Portsmouth,  and 
preached  on  1  Pet.  v,  10.  Thence,  through  damp  weather, 
we  rode  back  to  Jolliff 's,  where  we  had  preaching,  exhorta- 
tion, and  sacrament,  and  the  Lord  was  with  us. 

North-Cauolina. — Friday,  2.  We  had  a  long,  cold, 
hungry  ride  to  Gates  county,  in  North  Carolina. 

Saturday,  3.  We  had  a  blessed  season  in  Colonel  Baker's 
new  house,  on  1  John  iii,  1,  2,  3.  I  have  felt  unwell  by  these 
changes :  sometimes  preaching  makes  me  sick,  and  at  other 
times  makes  me  well.  Yesterday  we  rode  nearly  forty  miles  ; 
to-day  we  laboured,  and  our  horses  rested.  I  feel  solemnly 
given  up  to  God  in  toil  and  suffering. 

Sabbath  day,  4.  We  rode  fourteen  miles  to  Winton,  where 
I  preached  to  an  attentive  congregation,  from  town  and  coun- 
try, on  St.  John's  Gospel  i,  4.  I  remembered  my  old  friend 
Boon  ;  I  was  invited  to  and  most  kindly  entertained  at  the 
house  of  one  of  his  daughters.  So  it  is,  when  the  dear,  aged 
parents  go  off,  they  leave  me  their  children.  Thence  to  North- 
ampton county,  twenty-eight  or  thirty  miles,  and  came  in 
about  six  o'clock.  We  had  to-day,  as  on  Friday  last,  to 
breakfast  about  six  or  seven  in  the  morning,  and  to  dine  about 
the  same  hour  in  the  evening.  My  soul  hath  been  in  great 
peace.  I  rode  to  see  Richard  Whitakcr  and  his  wife,  after 
several  years'  absence  :  I  felt  truly  solemn  when  1  found  my- 
self at  the  old  house  where  the  father  and  mother  died.  I 


324 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Dec,  1796. 


remember  well  what  passed  when  I  was  here  last — the  dis- 
tress of  the  doctor,  and  his  kindness  to  me  in  the  year  1785. 

Tuesday,  6.  We  had  a  rainy  morning.  Crossed  Roanoke 
at  Edwards's  ferry,  and  came  to  Champion's  :  I  resolved  to 
preach,  although  only  a  part  of  two  families  were  present. 
We  dined,  and  hasted  to  mother  Whitaker's,  about  twenty- 
four  or  twenty-five  miles. 

Wednesday,  7.  We  had  a  very  sharp  morning.  I  preached 
at  brother  Bradford's,  on  1  John  iv,  16-18.  Yesterday  on, 
"  The  promise  is  to  you  and  to  your  children,"  &c.  I  parted 
with  my  dear  brother  Whatcoat,  after  travelling  together 
about  seven  hundred  miles.  It  was  painful  to  part,  yet  I  was 
well  pleased  he  had  not  to  drive  the  rough  way,  and  that 
through  the  rain.  In  this  I  loved  my  brother  better  than 
myself.  We  had  a  comfortable  season  at  sermon  and  sacra- 
ment this  day.  I  felt  myself  at  home  in  brother  Bradford's 
family. 

Thursday,  8.  I  came  again  to  the  widow  Philips's,  on 
Swift  Creek ;  the  house  was  filled — my  subject  was  awful, 
Amos  viii,  11  :  "  Behold,  the  days  come,  saith  the  Lord  God, 
that  I  will  send  a  famine  in  the  land  ;  not  a  famine  of  bread, 
nor  a  thirst  for  water,  but  of  hearing  the  words  of  the  Lord." 
I  observed — 

I.  The  great  and  interesting  things  contained  in  the  word 
of  the  Lord. 

II.  The  benefits  and  blessings  communicated  by  the  faithful 
preaching  and  hearing,  believing  and  obeying,  the  word  of  the 
Lord. 

III.  The  causes  and  effects  of  this  famine  ;  deaths,  re- 
movals, backslidings  of  ministers  and  people,  and  had  refer- 
ence to  ancient  times.  Drendful  effects  !  the  want  of  means 
to  civilize,  moralize,  and  spiritualize  mankind. 

I  felt  differently  to-day  from  what  I  did  yesterday ;  it  was 
like  beating  upon  a  rock ;  but  the  Lord  can  give  a  blessing. 
We  are  greatly  blessed  with  healthy  weather. 

Friday,  9.  We  came  to  Tarborough.  They  had  made  a 
fire  in  the  small  apartment  of  the  court-house,  and  I  thought 


Dec,  1796.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


325 


it  was  for  preaching,  but  it  was  for  dancing,  and  the  violin 
lay  on  table.  Mr.  Clement  was  kind  enough  to  stop  the 
scene,  and  we  had  a  serious  congregation  to  hear,  to  whom  I 
preached  on  Heb.  viii,  9-1 1 .  There  were  two  or  three  houses 
open  to  me  in  town,  but  I  lodged  three  miles  out  at  brother 
Toole's.  We  rode  on  Saturday,  10th,  twenty-eight  miles, 
without  food  or  rest  for  man  or  horse,  until  we  came  to  bro- 
ther Forbes's,  Pitt  county,  where  I  spent  the  Sabbath,  and 
preached  on  Rom.  ix,  27.  I  had  many  hearers,  but  it  was 
cold  times,  both  literally  and  spiritually ;  my  soul  was  solemn 
— my  body  unwell. 

Monday,  12.  I  rode  to  father  Barrows's  :  I  was  much  led 
out  on  Heb.  iii,  12-14.  In  those  words:  1.  Christians  are 
cautioned  against  a  most  dreadful  end.  2.  The  means  to 
prevent  it ;  and,  3.  The  example  of  backsliders.  The  end 
interesting  and  great — to  hold  fast  the  beginning  of  their  con- 
fidence. The  means — by  exhorting  one  another  daily.  We 
rode  twenty  miles  to  father  Ormond's  ;  the  people  came  be- 
fore the  rain,  but  had  to  return  home  through  it ;  my  subject 
was,  "  The  little  flock ;"  and  I  had  considerable  opening.  I 
feel  nothing  painful,  but  the  want  of  a  revival  of  religion ; 
my  soul  feels  as  if  the  Lord  will  yet  do  wonders  among  this 
people. 

Wednesday,  14.  We  rose  early,  and  rode  in  haste  to  Cox's 
ferry,  on  Neuse  River:  the  weather  was  damp  and  chilly. 
We  had  very  few  to  hear  at  the  meeting-house ;  it  was  a  day 
of  great  trial,  and  I  was  beset  on  every  side. 

Thursday,  15.  We  made  a  forced  march  of  twenty-five 
miles  to  Newbern  :  Ave  had  no  refreshment  for  man  nor  horse. 
Having  an  inflammation  in  one  of  my  ears,  and  having  fasted 
so  long,  I  was  very  unwell ;  but  a  sermon  Avas  expected,  and 
delivered  on  these  AA-ords :  "  Because  thou  kneAvest  not  the 
day  of  thy  visitation  :"  my  hearers  were  numerous  and  serious. 
I  had  never  vieAved  the  situation  of  this  town  before :  it  is 
the  image  of  Charleston,  (S.  C.)  Neuse  and  Trent  have  a 
likeness  to  Cooper  and  Ashley  rivers.  This  is  a  growing 
place.    Our  society  here,  of  Avhite  and  coloured  members, 


326 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Dec,  1796. 


consists  of  one  hundred.  I  every  day  see  and  feel  the  empti- 
ness of  all  created  good,  and  am  taking  my  leave  of  all :  what 
is  worth  living  for  but  the  work  of  God  ?  I  wrote  to  our 
brethren  in  the  city  stations,  not  to  neglect  the  sick  an  hour, 
nor  an  absentee  from  class  one  week :  indeed  we  ought  to  be 
always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord  ;  to  attend  to  old 
and  new  subjects,  to  our  work,  and  to  every  means,  like  men 
labouring  to  find  out  new  means  for  new  difficulties.  Should 
piety,  health,  and  trade,  attend  this  Newbern,  it  will  be  a 
very  capital  place  in  half  a  century  from  this. 

Friday,  10.  I  had  great  openings  on  Rom.  i,  15— IT.  I 
know  not  when  I  have  visited  a  place  with  such  pleasing  hopes 
and  feelings :  I  trust  there  hath  been  something  more  than 
man  in  this.  0  !  how  greatly  was  my  heart  knit  to  these 
people ! 

Saturday,  17.  I  preached  at  ten  o'clock  the  second  part 
of  the  same  theme,  Phil,  i,  27.  I  was  exceedingly  close  on 
the  duties,  spirit,  and  practice  of  the  Gospel.  We  had  to 
ride  fifteen  miles  to  Lee's,  upon  Trent.  I  felt  solemn  and 
sorrowful  at  leaving  my  dear  people  at  Newbern  ;  they  wished 
to  give  me  money,  but  love  is  better  than  gold. 

Sunday,  18.  We  had  much  rain:  but  few  came  to  meet- 
ing. Finding  we  had  twenty  miles  to  Bryans's,  we  wished  to 
move  to  Lemuel  Hatches's,  who  was  very  kind. 

Monday,  19.  We  had  to  ride  early:  my  horse  trots  stiff; 
and  no  wonder,  when  I  have  ridden  him  upon  an  average,  five 
thousand  miles  a  year  for  five  years  successively.  I  preached 
on  Heb.  iii,  7,  8.  I  felt  as  if  the  Lord  and  his  messengers 
had  left  this  place.  My  spirit  was  grieved  at  the  conduct  of 
some  Methodists,  that  hire  out  slaves  at  public  places  to  the 
highest  bidder,  to  cut,  skin,  and  starve  them ;  I  think  such 
members  ought  to  be  dealt  with  :  on  the  side  of  oppressors 
there  are  law  and  power,  but  where  are  justice  and  mercy  to 
the  poor  slaves?  what  eye  will  pity,  what  hand  will  help,  or 
ear  listen  to  their  distresses  ?  1  will  try  if  words  can  be  like 
drawn  swords,  to  pierce  the  hearts  of  the  owners. 

I  have  heard  by  a  person  from  Baltimore,  that  by  means 


Dec,  179G.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


327 


of  the  weekly  society  meeting,  our  people  are  all  on  flame : 
thank  God  that  it  came  into  my  heart  to  recommend  it  to 
them !  this  also  shall  comfort  us  in  our  toil.  I  have  ridden 
upwards  of  thirty  miles  this  day. 

Tuesday,  20.  At  the  rich  lands,  but  amongst  spiritually 
poor  people.  I  had  about  thirty  hearers,  and  here  are  a  few 
precious  souls.  Father  Ballard  and  family  still  stand  by  us. 
I  had  some  freedom  on  Heb.  iii,  14: — 1.  Wherein  believers 
are  partakers  of  Christ,  past,  present,  and  to  come;  in  wis- 
dom, righteousness,  sanctification,  and  redemption.  2.  The 
beginning  of  their  confidence  steadfast  to  the  end,  without 
which  they  cannot  be  saved  or  safe.  I  described  the  nature, 
effects,  and  fruits  of  this  confidence  in  God,  in  Christ,  in  the 
Holy  Spirit ;  in  the  Scripture  promises,  precepts,  threatenings, 
in  and  of  heaven,  earth,  and  hell. 

Wednesday,  21 .  We  had  a  cold  ride  of  about  twenty  miles  to 
Stone's  Bay ;  where  there  are  a  few  people,  (who  have  been  for- 
saken by  the  preachers,)  to  whom  I  preached  on  Heb.  x,  38,  39. 

Thursday,  22.  I  came  to  Nixons's,  on  the  road  to  Wilming- 
ton ;  here  I  found  a  kind  people,  but  the  preachers  had  left 
them  because  they  did  not  immediately  join  in  fellowship. 
Perhaps  I  was  called  this  way  to  feel  for  souls  in  and  round 
about  Wilmington :  if  we  had  men  and  money,  it  would  be 
well  to  station  a  preacher  in  such  places  as  Wilmington. 

Friday,  23.  We  had  an  excessively  cold  ride  through  heavy 
sands  to  Wilmington  :  when  we  came  to  the  town  wharf  there 
was  neither  flat  nor  ferry ;  the  causeway  was  under  improve- 
ment ;  the  only  expedient  therefore  that  remained  was  to 
cross  at  Negro  Head.  We  came  up  the  sand  hills  to  Wright's 
ferry.  It  was  truly  cold  and  very  bleak  on  the  water,  while 
in  a  trifling  flat ;  and  I  feared  one  or  both  the  horses  would 
be  thrown  out  of  it.  We  were  driving  through  the  woods 
till  seven  o'clock,  and  the  weather  exceedingly  cold;  at  last 
we  came  to  Rolks's,  on  Town  Creek.  We  could  not  spare 
ourselves  the  next  day,  but  came  off  blowing  and  hiding  our 
fingers.  We  passed  Lockets  Folly  and  Shallot  River,  and 
came  up  to  father  Gause's,  where  we  met  with  friendship, 


328 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Dec,  1796. 


fellowship,  and  love,  and  held  meeting  on  Christmas  day,  it 
being  the  Sabbath. 

South  Carolina. — Monday,  26.  We  came  to  Little  River, 
and  thence  to  Kingston,  where  we  lodged  with  our  Mr.  Ro- 
gers, after  riding  about  forty-five  miles.  Tuesday  27.  I  gave  a 
sermon  in  the  chapel,  and  on  Wednesday,  28,  rode  thirty -seven 
or  forty  miles  to  Georgetown.  Here  we  have  nearly  one  hun- 
dred Africans  in  society,  while  we  have  only  seven  or  eight 
whites,  our  doctrine  being  too  close,  and  our  discipline  too 
strict.  After  riding  the  above  distance  in  the  cold,  without 
any  regular  meal,  I  was  hardly  fit  for  the  pulpit  at  night ; 
however  I  gave  them  a  talk  on  '•'  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest, 
and  on  the  earth  peace,  good  will  towards  men."  I  observed 
on  this,  as  I  had  on  some  former  occasions,  that  the  redemp- 
tion and  salvation  of  mankind  by  Jesus  Christ  was  the  brightest 
display  of  the  justice,  mercy,  truth,  love,  and  holiness  of  God  ; 
yet  in  such  a  manner  as  that  justice  should  not  destioy,  but 
give  glory  to  mercy ;  and  that  mercy  should  not  destroy,  but 
glorify  justice  and  mercy  in  Christ  to  sinners — justice  in  the 
sufferings  of  Christ,  and  in  the  punishment  of  incorrigible  sin- 
ners. The  truth  of  God  shineth  also — it  only  belongs  to  a 
God  to  preserve  and  display  all  his  attributes  and  perfections : 
in  this  plan  we  may  say  mercy  and  truth  are  met  together, 
righteousness  (or  justice)  and  peace  have  kissed  each  other; 
and  all  the  truths  of  God  held  sacred  :  with  reverence  let  it  be 
said,  God  would  no  longer  be  God,  to  act  unlike  himself,  or 
to  be  unjust,  unmerciful,  or  unholy,  or  untrue,  or  to  swallow 
up  or  violate  one  attribute  by  exerting  another.  What  should 
Ave  think  of  a  governor  or  judge  that  would  pardon  all  crimi- 
nals indiscriminately  and  unconditionally  ?  where  would  be 
the  exercise  of  justice? 

Thursday,  29.  Hearing  of  a  sacramental  occasion  at  Boon's 
chapel,  I  rode  thirteen  miles  to  attend  it ;  it  was  up  Santce, 
on  the  upper  branches  of  Sand-Pitt :  my  subject  was  "  Christ 
hath  once  suffered  for  sins,  the  just  for  the  unjust,  that  he 
might  bring  us  to  God."  We  were  entertained  elegantly, 
and  with  great  hospitality,  at  Mr.  Boon's. 


Jan.,  1797.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


329 


Friday,  30.  We  set  out  in  the  rain,  crossed  Santee,  (we 
had  a  quick  passage  for  once,)  and  rode  about  fifty  miles,  and 
came  to  brother  Jackson's  about  nine  o'clock.  Here  our  rapid 
march  was  ended :  I  rested  two  days.  Serious  news  from 
Baltimore — the  academy,  and  our  church  in  Light-street,  with 
brother  Hawkins's  elegant  house,  all  destroyed  by  fire  !  The 
loss  we  sustain  in  the  college,  academy,  and  church,  I  esti- 
mate from  fifteen  to  twenty  thousand  pounds :  it  affected  my 
mind ;  but  I  concluded  God  loveth  the  people  of  Baltimore, 
and  he  will  keep  them  poor,  to  make  them  pure ;  and  it  will 
be  for  the  humiliation  of  the  society. 

January  1,  1797.  Being  Sabbath  day,  I  lectured  on  Psalm 
lxxxiv,  and  on  2  Cor.  v.  Monday,  2.  I  came  to  Charleston, 
and  preached  in  the  evening  on  Eph.  v,  15,  16.  Tuesday,  3. 
We  began  conference,  and  sat  some  days  six  or  seven  hours. 
We  had  pleasing  accounts  of  the  growth  of  religion  in  Georgia 
as  well  as  in  this  State.  We  had  a  sermon  every  evening,  and 
many  to  hear. 

Sunday,  8.  My  subject  was  John  xiv,  21-23.  I  do  not 
yet  feel  myself  in  the  spirit  of  the  work.  Monday,  9.  Our 
conference  rose.  We  have  been  blessed  with  some  young 
men  for  the  ministry.  By  letter  from  James  M'Cannon,  in 
Baltimore,  I  learn  that  our  people  have  had  the  offer  of  the 
Episcopal  church,  and  the  English  and  German  Presbyterian 
churches,  until  we  can  rebuild.  I  began  reading  the  Bible 
and  Winterbotham's  View  of  the  United  States.  We  have 
sent  out  subscriptions  for  the  Methodist  Magazine.  The  like 
severity  of  weather  hath  not  been  known  here  for  fourteen  or 
fifteen  years ;  the  gardens  and  oranges  appear  to  be  de- 
stroyed ;  the  want  of  moisture  may  have  increased  the  effects 
of  the  frost.  I  have  felt  my  soul  filled  with  love,  for  the 
general  union  in  the  ministry,  and  for  the  Church :  my  mind 
is  stayed  upon  the  Lord  alone.  Tuesday,  10.  Our  dear  breth- 
ren set  out  for  their  circuits.  Wednesday,  11.  In  the  evening 
we  met  the  society  in  the  manner  I  had  recommended  to  the 
brethren  in  New-York,  Philadelphia,  and  Baltimore.  We 
were  much  blessed ;  it  was  a  gracious  season.  Brother 


330 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1797. 


Wells  appears  to  be  dying  swiftly.  I  purpose  to  go  out  only 
every  other  night,  as  I  am  called  to  duty  every  morning  with 
fifty  or  a  hundred  Africans.  I  lament  the  wickedness  of  this 
city,  and  their  great  hatred  against  us.  I  spent  Thursday, 
Friday,  and  Saturday,  in  reading,  writing,  and  visiting  the  sick. 

Sunday,  15.  Notwithstanding  I  had  taken  medicine  on 
Saturday,  and  was  unwell,  I  preached  on  John  vi,  C6-69. 
We  were  much  crowded ;  and  more  so,  when  Dr.  Coke 
preached  in  the  evening.  Monday,  16.  The  remnant  of  the 
preachers  left  the  city.  I  rode  up  the  path,  and  attended  the 
Doctor  to  Clement's  ferry.  At  night  I  met  the  seeking 
Africans  in  Brother  Wells's  kitchen.  This  evening  I  prayed 
with  brother  Wells  for  the  last  time  ;  he  expressed  his  confi- 
dence in  God,  and  freedom  from  guilty  dread  and  horror. 

Tuesday,  17.  I  was  called  to  the  house  of  brother  Wells, 
just  departed  this  life.  His  widow  I  found  in  prayers  and 
tears,  as  also  the  dear  children  and  servants.  We  appointed 
his  funeral  to  be  at  four  o'clock  to-morrow.  The  scene  was 
serious.  I  learned  he  wished  to  see  me  once  more  :  I  visited 
him  every  day  I  could  with  propriety.  It  is  twelve  long 
years  next  March  since  he  first  received  Henry  Willis,  Jesse 
Lee,  and  myself,  into  his  house.  In  a  few  days  he  was 
brought  under  heart  distress  for  sin,  and  soon  after  professed 
faith  in  Christ ;  since  that  he  hath  been  a  diligent  member  in 
society.  About  fourteen  months  ago,  when  there  was  a  re- 
vival of  religion  in  the  society,  and  in  his  own  family,  it  came 
home  to  his  own  soul ;  he  was  quickened,  and  remarkably 
blest,  and  continued  so  to  be  until  his  death.  His  affliction 
was  long  and  very  severe.  The  last  words  he  was  heard  to 
say  that  could  be  understood  were,  that  "  he  knew  where  he 
was,  that  his  wife  was  with  him,  and  that  God  was  with  him." 
He  hath  been  a  man  of  sorrows,  and  hath  suffered  the  loss  of 
two  respectable  wives  and  a  favourite  son ;  sustained  heavy 
loss  by  fire,  and  was  subject  to  a  great  variety  of  difficulties 
in  trade  and  merchandise.  He  was  one  much  for  the  feeling 
part  of  religion ;  a  gentleman  of  spirit,  and  sentiment,  and 
fine  feelings,  a  faithful  friend  to  the  poor,  and  warmly 


Jan.,  1797.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


331 


attached  to  the  ministers  of  the  Gospel.  This  was  a  solitary 
day,  and  I  laboured  under  uncommon  dejection.  I  preached 
in  the  evening,  and  was  in  great  heaviness. 

Wednesday,  18.  We  committed  the  dust  of  our  dear  bro- 
ther Wells  to  the  old  church  burying-ground,  in  Cumberland- 
street.  Doctor  Coke  performed  the  funeral  rites,  and 
delivered  an  oration.  I  also  gave  a  short  one.  My  serious 
gloom  continued. 

Thursday,  19.  We  were  closely  attentive  to  the  notes  on  the 
Discipline. 

Friday,  20.  Visited  Mr.  Grant,  declining  swiftly  in  a  con- 
sumption. He  appeared  to  be  somewhat  awakened  to  a  sense 
of  the  state  of  his  soul  and  body. 

Saturday,  21.  Till  noon  my  heart  sinketh,  and  I  am  ready 
to  conclude  we  are  not  sent  to  the  whites  of  this  place,  ex- 
cept a  very  few ;  but  to  the  poor  Africans.  I  find  this  a 
suffering,  holy  time. 

Sunday,  22.  I  preached  Mr.  Wells's  funeral  sermon,  on 
Rev.  ii,  10.  I  observed,  1.  Who  it  is  that  speaketh.  2.  To 
gH'hom  he  was  speaking.  3.  What  might  be  supposed  and 
granted  concerning  the  angel  of  the  Church — that  he  had  pro- 
fessed the  convicting  and  converting  grace  of  God  ;  that  he 
had  suffered  poverty,  temptation,  and  persecution.  4.  What 
it  is  to  be  faithful  to  God — to  fear  him,  as  also  to  trust  in  his 
providence  and  grace ;  faithful  to  Christ  and  to  the  Spirit,  to 
the  Church  of  God,  to  his  family  and  citizens  ;  faithful  imto 
death,  even  martyrdom.  I  gave  a  brief  account  of  Mr. 
Wells's  life  and  death.  I  was  exceedingly  weak  in  body 
and  mind  before  I  began  preaching,  but  was  considerably 
liberated.  I  had  a  solemn,  attentive  congregation,  and  was 
glad  to  come  home  and  spend  the  evening  in  solitary  reading 
and  prayer.  I  have  to  meet  the  African  people  every  morn- 
ing between  five  and  six  o'clock,  at  my  lodging,  with  singing, 
reading,  exhortation,  and  prayer. 

Monday,  23.  We  were  at  work  upon  our  notes  on  the 
Discipline. 

Tuesday,  24.  I  was  very  unwell,  yet  T  must  needs  preach 


,332 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Feb.,  1797. 


a  little  on  2  Cor.  vi,  2.  My  body  is  weak,  and  my  soul  is 
distressed  on  account  of  sinners.  I  have  made  out  to  read 
the  third  volume  of  Winterbotham's  General  View  of  our 
Continent.  This  I  do,  because  I  have  some  hope  of  visiting 
British  America  before  I  die. 

Wednesday,  25.  My  mind  oppressed  and  my  body  afflicted, 
I  was  close  at  work — heart,  head,  and  eyes.  No  justice  for 
Cumberland-street  Methodists.  A  young  Scot  shouted  in 
the  church,  and  after  he  was  taken  out  of  the  house  struck 
three  or  four  men  ;  no  bill  was  found  against  him  ;  and  we 
are  insulted  every  night  by  candlelight. 

Thursday,  26.  Still  unwell.  The  three  following  days  I 
was  confined  to  the  house  with  a  fever.  I  wrought  at  our 
work.  0,  that  it  may  be  for  the  glory  of  God  and  the  good 
of  his  Church !  I  have  numbered  the  chapters,  and  versed 
Scriptures  in  it.  I  am  resolved  to  visit  more,  if  spared  to 
get  through  this  weighty  business.  Mr.  Grant,  after  three 
years  warning  with  a  consumption,  is  gone.  I  trust  God  had 
mercy  on  his  soul.  Doctor  Coke  preached  in  the  morning, 
brother  Hill  in  the  afternoon.  % 

Sunday  and  Monday,  29,  30.  I  consulted  a  physician, 
who  judged  my  disease  to  be  an  intermittent  fever,  and  such 
it  proved  itself.  On  Tuesday,  31,  I  was  taken  about  two 
o'clock  with  a  powerful  ague,  which  held  me  till  nearly  nine 
o'clock.  I  presume  it  has  been  working  for  two  weeks.  I 
probably  took  it  by  going  out  at  the  death  of  brother  Wells. 
Wednesday,  February  1,  I  took  the  powders  of  Columbo 
after  the  bilious  pills.  Thursday,  2,  my  fever  did  not  return. 
Friday,  3.  Growing  better,  I  had  serious  thoughts  about 
going  home  to  God.  Of  late  I  have  been  kept  uncommonly 
happy.  My  depression  of  spirits  at  times  is  awful,  espe- 
cially when  afflicted  ;  that  which  is  deeply  constitutional  will 
never  die  but  with  my  body.  I  am  solemnly  given  up  to 
God,  and  have  been  for  many  months  willing  to  live  or  die  in, 
for,  and  with  Jesus. 

Wednesday,  8.  I  was  better,  and  was  enabled  to  read, 
write,  ride,  and  visit. 


Feb.,  1797.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


333 


Thursday,  9.  To-morrow  my  dear  Coke  sails  for  Europe. 
My  mind  is  in  peace,  but  I  am  not  pleased  with  such  confine- 
ment. I  now  take  a  decoction  of  the  bark.  I  am  under 
great  obligations  to  Doctor  Joseph  Ramsay  for  his  peculiar 
attention  to  me  in  my  affliction,  without  fee  or  reward  for  his 
services.  By  letter  from  John  Dickins,  I  learn  the  work  of 
God  greatly  revives  in  New- York  among  the  aged  people  and 
little  children.  I  have  lately  read  the  second  volume  of  Mr. 
Wesley's  Sermons. 

Friday,  10.  This  day  Doctor  Coke  is  waiting  to  sail  for  Ire- 
land. Strangers  to  the  delicacies  of  Christian  friendship 
know  little  or  nothing  of  the  pain  of  parting.  Glad  tidings  of 
great  joy  from  New- York.  A  second  glorious  work  is  begun 
there,  twenty  souls  converted,  a  great  love-feast,  and  Sabbath 
evening  meeting  held  until  one  o'clock  in  the  morning.  This 
news  hath  given  a  spring  to  us  in  this  city. 

Saturday,  11.  I  visited  a  little. 

Sunday,  12.  I  attended  my  station,  and  stook  upon  my 
watch-tower.  My  subject  was  Eccles  v,  1 :  "  Keep  thy  foot 
when  thou  goest  into  the  house  of  God." 

I.  The  house  of  God — the  temples,  first  and  second,  and 
synagogues,  were  called  houses  of  God.  A  place  built  for 
the  worship  and  service  of  the  Lord ;  the  congregation  and 
church. 

II.  The  exercises  and  ordinances  of  the  house  of  God  : 
reading  and  preaching  the  word  of  God  ;  prayer  and  praises  ; 
baptism  and  the  Lord's  supper.  In  his  temple  every  one 
shall  speak  of  his  glory. 

HI.  The  manifestations  that  God  is  pleased  to  make  of  him- 
self in  his  own  house  to  the  souls  of  his  people. 

IV.  How  people  should  prepare  for,  and  behave  in,  the 
house  of  God.  To  keep  their  eyes  and  ears — fix  their  atten- 
tion on  the  Lord  and  Master  of  the  house. 

V.  The  wicked  called  fools,  and  the  sacrifice  they  make. 
Ignorant  of  themselves,  of  God,  of  Christ,  and  true  religion, 
and  the  worship  of  the  Lord,  and  do  not  consider  it  is  God, 
Christ,  and  sacred  things  they  make  light  of. 


33.4 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Fed.,  1*797. 


We  were  full,  and  I  put  my  strength  to  the  test.  In  the 
afternoon,  from  Ezekiel  xxxvi,  25-27.  I  showed  the  evils 
God  threatened,  and  prophesied  the  removal  of,  by  his  sen-ant 
to  his  nominal  professed  people,  Israel. 

I.  Their  stony  heart — their  idols  and  filthiness. 

II.  The  blessings  promised  and  prophesied — a  new  heart, 
a  new  spirit,  the  indwelling  and  sanctifying  influence  of  the 
Spirit. 

III.  The  blessed  consequential  effects — "  I  will  cause  you 
to  walk  in  my  statutes,  and  ye  shall  keep  my  judgments  to  do 
them."  The  law,  the  judgments  of  God,  because  of  the 
penalty  annexed — thus  saith  the  Lord  to  the  renewed  soul, 
"  Thou  shalt  have  none  other  gods  but  me."  "  Lord,"  saith 
the  Christian,  "  I  want  none  other  but  thee."  Saith  Jehovah, 
"  Thou  shalt  not  make  to  thyself  any  graven  image."  The 
pious  soul  saith,  "  I  will  not ;  the  work  of  my  hands  cannot 
save  my  soul :  I  will  not  take  thy  name  in  \Tain.  I  love  thy 
day — thy  love  hath  written  thy  law  upon  my  heart,  and  love 
to  my  neighbour  engages  me  to  fulfil  my  duty  to  him  also." 
"The  meek  shall  inherit  the  earth,"  as  a  sacred  charter  from 
the  Lord — this  is  their  claim,  security,  and  defence. 

I  was  wearied  with  the  duties  of  the  day,  and  had  only  re- 
tired to  rest  when  the  alarm  of  fire  was  cried — it  proved  only 
to  be  a  kitchen,  and  by  the  activity  of  the  people  it  was  soon 
extinguished. 

Monday,  13.  I  have  peace,  and  am  as  well  in  health  as  I 
could  expect.  Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul !  I  was  taken  up 
with  handing  about  a  subscription  for  the  new  house.  Our 
people  appear  much  afraid  to  move  in  this  work. 

Tuesdai/,  14.  I  met  the  stewards  on  the  subject  of  the  new 
house.  We  have  adjourned  on  the  question.  If  materials 
fall  in  their  price,  and  if  we  can  secure  £400,  shall  we  begin  ? 
O  we  of  little  faith  !  It  is  a  doubt  if  we  had  fifty  in  society, 
and  £100  on  hand,  when  we  laid  the  foundation-stone  of 
Cumberland-street  house,  which  cost  us  (including  the  lot) 
£1,300.  The  society  has  been  rent  in  twain,  and  yet  we 
have  wrought  out  of  debt,  and  paid  £100  for  two  new  lots, 


Feb.,  179*7.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


335 


and  we  can  spare  £100  from  the  stock,  make  a  subscription 
of  £150,  and  the  Africans  will  collect  £100. 

Wednesday,  15.  I  felt  much  better,  and  rejoice  in  hope  of 
going  hence. 

Thursday,  16,  was  a  solitary  day;  my  soul  was  in  heavi- 
ness, and  my  body  weak.  1  was  employed  in  writing  letters, 
and  reading  the  Bible  with  critical  attention. 

Friday,  17.  I  thought  I  would  fast,  refraining  from  food 
till  six  o'clock ;  I  felt  very  weak,  had  a  fever  and  headache, 
and  was  glad  to  go  to  bed  at  seven  o'clock.  I  feel  pain  to  be 
gone,  and  do  not  expect  much  peace  of  mind,  or  health  of 
body,  until  I  go  to  my  old  solitary  country  life.  I  judge  that 
discipline,  and  the  doing  away  of  certain  things,  have  contri- 
buted somewhat  to  the  late  revival  of  religion  in  New- York. 

Sunday,  19.  I  entered  on  my  duty.  I  had  not  an  opening 
to  preach,  so  I  made  an  explanatory  discourse  on  Isaiah 
lv,  1-7  ;  and  it  appeared  to  be  of  use.  My  leading  heads 
were, 

I.  The  spiritual  blessings  held  forth  in  the  temporal  good 
things,  water,  wine,  milk.  Water  to  quench  thirst,  cleanse, 
and  heal,  as  to  drinking,  bathing,  &c. ;  all  expressive  of  the 
grace  of  God  to  our  souls — comforting,  cleansing,  healing. 
Wine  for  the  sickly,  tempted,  dispirited  ones.   Milk  for  babes. 

II.  The  grand  qualifications — thirst  and  no  money  ;  and  to 
come,  no  merit,  no  righteousness. 

III.  The  reasoning — "  Wherefore  do  you  spend  your 
money,"  &c.  ;  that  is,  make  great  sacrifices  for  pleasure,  and 
yet  are  disappointed  ;  such  is  the  case  of  those  who  seek  after 
ceremonial  righteousness. 

IV.  His  offering  Christ. 

V.  The  promise  of  the  increase  of  the  kingdom  of  Jesus 
Christ  among  distant  and  unknown  nations. 

VI.  When  they  are  to  come  to  seek  the  Lord,  viz.,  "  while 
he  may  be  found." 

It  was  a  melting  season.  In  the  afternoon  I  preached  on 
Rom.  viii,  31  :  "  What  shall  Ave  then  say  to  these  tilings  ;  if 
God  be  for  us,  who  can  be  against  us?" 


336 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Feb.,  1797. 


I.  I  viewed  the  whole  chapter.  The  character  and  dis- 
tinguishing marks  of  the  people  of  God. 

II.  How  he  will  order  himself  on  the  side  of  his  people, 
in  his  justice,  mercy,  truth,  power,  and  love:  "  If  God  be  for 
us  ?" — this  is  a  modest  supposition.  I  observed,  he  will  not 
aid  our  persecutors — their  help  is  departed  from  them  ;  that 
he  sanctified  persecution ;  and  sometimes  would  cut  off  the 
enemies  of  his  Church  and  people ;  that  some  were  enemies 
from  policy,  others  from  heretical  principles,  some  from  enmity 
of  heart ;  others  would  think  their  fathers,  mothers,  husbands, 
wives,  &c,  were  misguided  and  deluded.  I  stood  on  my  feet 
about  three  hours  this  day,  Avas  much  wearied  and  slept  but 
little. 

Monday,  20.  I  was  weak — the  weather  uncommonly  warm. 
I  rejoice  in  hope  of  leaving  the  city  next  Monday,  if  the 
Lord  spareth  me. 

Tuesday,  21.  My  mind  has  been  greatly  afflicted,  so  that 
my  sleep  has  been  much  interrupted,  yet  there  was  a  balm 
for  this ;  a  poor  black,  sixty  years  of  age,  who  supports  her- 
self by  picking  oakum,  and  the  charity  of  her  friends,  brought 
me  a  French  crown,  and  said  she  had  been  distressed  on  my 
account,  and  I  must  have  her  money.  But  no !  although  I 
have  not  three  dollars  to  travel  two  thousand  miles,  I  will  not 
take  money  from  the  poor.  I  am  very  unwell,  my  soul  and 
body  is  distressed  :  ah  !  that  such  trifles  should  affect  me.  I 
have  read  four  books  of  Moses  critically. 

Wednesday,  22.  Was  a  sorrowful  day  to  me :  I  am  think- 
ing God  is  teaching  me  I  ought  not  to  stay  in  this  place  after 
this  manner;  perhaps  I  shall  never  stay  here  again  for  so 
long  a  time.  I  am  kept  from  sinning,  yet  not  from  deep  and 
sore  temptation. 

Thursday,  23.  Brother  James  King  came  to  town  to  take 
the  charge  in  this  city  as  assistant  preacher  to  Benjamin 
Blanton. 

Friday,  24.  I  began  to  prepare  for  my  departure  hence. 
Saturday,  25.  My  mind  is  happy  in  the  expectation  of 
leaving  this  city  on  Monday. 


Feb.,  1191.1  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  337 

Sunday,  26.  I  judged  it  best  to  be  plain  and  explanatory 
upon  the  Lord's  supper,  1  Cor.  v,  1,  8.  Our  congregation 
was  large,  and  the  sacramental  occasion  very  solemn.  My 
farewell  discourse  was  on  1  Sam.  xii,  23,  24.  I  observed  on 
the  duty  of  those  who  have  the  charge  of  souls, 

I.  To  pray  for  them. 

II.  To  teach  them  the  good  and  the  right  way ;  which  is 
to  fear  the  Lord,  and  serve  him  in  truth,  sincerity,  and  purity 
of  intention. 

III.  The  motives  to  induce  them — the  consideration  of  the 
great  things  God  hath  done  for  them. 

What  good  have  I  attempted  to  do  here  ?  I  assisted  the 
Doctor  in  the  notes  on  the  Discipline.  I  have  preached  every 
Sabbath  except  two ;  formed  a  plan  to  erect  a  house  in  the 
west  end  of  the  city  suburbs,  to  be  equal  to  that  in  Cumber- 
land-street ;  I  have  made  peace  between  a  dying  man  and 
his  brother-in-law,  in  which  two  families  were  concerned  ;  and 
I  cured  a  poor  African's  sore  leg  by  applying  a  poultice  of 
bread  and  milk. 

Monday,  27.  I  felt  a  fever,  yet  rejoiced  to  leave  Charleston. 
Many  came  to  see  me.  I  have  persuaded  one  person  to  give 
up  the  use  of  what  I  feared  would  be  her  ruin  :  she  promised 
she  would ;  if  so,  all  will  be  well.  On  my  way  I  felt  as  if  I 
was  let  out  of  prison.  Hail !  ye  solitary  pines  !  the  jessamin, 
the  redbud,  and  dog- wood !  how  charming  in  full  bloom  !  the 
former  a  most  fragrant  smell.  We  reached  Monks  Corner, 
and  were  most  agreeably  entertained  at  Mr.  Jones's.  We 
came  on  the  next  day  and  had  but  hard  fare  till  we  reached 
Nelson's  ferry  :  it  being  a  rainy  day,  the  gentlemen  were  re- 
galing themselves  with  cards  :  blunt  Frank  Asbury  asked  for 
dinner,  but  told  them  he  could  not  dine  upon  cards ;  the 
cards  were  very  politely  put  away,  and  every  necessary  mark 
..I  attention  paid  :  Mr.  Gurdine,  who  commands  several  ferries 
on  this  river,  is  a  complete  gentleman.  We  came  off  in  the 
rain,  and  it  fell  very  freely.  Through  the  swamp  we  had 
deep  wading,  and  steeped  our  feet ;  we  wrought  along  as 
night  came  on ;  and  after  riding  four  miles  in  the  dark,  dirt, 

Vol.  II.— 15 


» 


338  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Mar.,  1797. 

and  rain,  we  came  to  the  widow  Bowman's :  here  I  found 
shelter  and  was  kindly  entertained.  Her  husband  was  a 
godly,  gracious  man,  and  died  in  the  Lord  some  years  ago. 

Wednesday,  March  1.  We  rested  and  refitted.  Thurs- 
day, 2.  We  had  a  cold  day  at  Gibson's ;  my  subject  was 

1  John  v,  13—15.  I  was  very  unwell,  under  infirmities  of 
body  and  mind.  Thence  we  rode  five  miles  to  Mark  Moore's, 
where  I  preached  on  2  Peter  iii,  18,  and  had  a  comfortable 
time, 

Friday,  3.  We  had  a  dry,  cold,  hungry,  long  ride  of  thirty 
miles  to  Bradford's,  where  I  dined,  and  preached  at  three 
o'clock,  and  felt  resolved  to  give  them  one  plain  talk  on  Heb. 
iii,  7,  8.  1.  The  voice  of  God,  is  the  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ 
as  preached  by  himself.  2.  What  is  comprehended  in  hear- 
ing his  voice — attending,  believing,  obeying.  3.  How  men 
harden  their  hearts — by  delays,  and  by  inward  and  outward 
sin ;  the  Holy  Ghost  saith,  To-day,  in  the  word,  in  the  min- 
istry, in  the  hearts  of  men. 

Saturday,  4.  At  Rembert's  new  chapel  I  preached  on 
Matt,  xi,  28-30,  where  I  had  some  living  sweetness. 

Sunday,  5.  After  love-feast  and  sacrament,  I  preached  on  1 

2  Cor.  vi,  6-10,  but  had  not  much  satisfaction.  Religion  is 
reviving  here  among  the  Africans ;  several  are  joined  in  soci- 
ety :  these  are  the  poor ;  these  are  the  people  we  are  more 
immediately  called  to  preach  to. 

Monday,  6.  I  preached  in  the  court-house  at  Camden,  set 
apart  for  a  mecting-housc :  my  subject  was,  "  Knowing  there- 
fore the  terror  of  the  Lord,  we  persuade  men."  1.  I  treated 
on  the  divine  character  of  Christ,  as  judge — his  perfections, 
and  relation  to  the  persons  who  are  to  be  tried.  2.  The  char- 
acters to  be  judged — infidels,  sinners,  Pharisees,  hypocrites, 
backsliders,  believers,  true  and  false  ministers :  these  are  to 
be  tried,  found  guilty,  or  acquitted ;  sentenced  and  punished, 
or  applauded  and  rewarded.  I  received  a  second  letter  from 
New- York,  informing  me  of  the  revival  of  religion  there 
among  the  aged  and  young  people.  I  rode  fourteen  miles  to 
G  's  quarter,  a  small  house  among  the  sand  hills ;  thence 


Mar.,  1797.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  339 

eight  miles  to  brother  Horton's,  whose  brother,  a  Baptist,  had 
lately  departed  this  life ;  he  was  blest  in  his  end. 

Wednesday,  8.  We  rode  thirty-two  miles  to  the  Waxsaws, 
hungry  and  faint :  at  Wren's  I  was  led  out  on,  "  Let  us  not 
sleep  as  do  others."  The  next,  day,  at  quarterly  meeting,  I 
preached  on  Isa.  i,  9  :  there  was  a  noise  and  shaking.  This 
evening  a  little  circumstance  gave  me  great  pain ;  I  broke  my 
skin  in  two  places.  We  rode  on  Friday  and  Saturday  se- 
venty miles.  We  passed  through  a  large  settlement  of  Pres- 
byterians ;  Mr.  M'Crea,  their  minister,  gave  us  a  kind  invita- 
tion to  lodge  at  his  house ;  but  we  wished  to  cross  the  river 
at  Martin's  Ferry,  and  stay  at  the  widow  Featherston's. 

North  Carolina. — Sunday,  12.  We  were  at  Daniel  Asbu- 
ry's.  My  leg  was  inflamed  by  riding,  and  I  found  it  necessary 
to  poultice  it.  I  sat  down  and  taught  the  people  on,  "  He  that 
cometh  to  God  must  believe  that  he  is,  and  that  he  is  a  re- 
warder  of  them  that  diligently  seek  him."  We  had  a  living 
meeting  in  the  evening ;  some  souls  were  greatly  blest. 

Monday,  13.  We  rode  into  Iredell  county,  thirty-three 
miles.  We  were  caught  in  the  rain,  which  threw  me  into  a 
chill,  followed  by  a  fever ;  in  this  situation  I  came  to,  and 
preached  at  brother  Fitzgerald's.  Between  four  and  five 
o'clock,  brothers  Dean  and  Dyson,  (Methodists,)  Hall  and 
Bowman,  (Presbyterians,)  had  filled  my  appointment  in  the 
preceding  part  of  the  day. 

Tuesday,  14.  I  preached  at  the  church  in  the  forks  of  the 
Yadkin,  on  Isaiah  xxxv,  1-4.  I  had  to  ride  eight  miles  in  the 
rain  to  Templeton's. 

Wednesday,  15.  I  rode  five  miles  to  Mr.  Hoy's,  and 
treated  on  the  rest  that  remaincth  to  the  people  of  God.  In 
the  afternoon  I  rode  twelve  miles'to  father  Brace's,  where  I 
found  myself  at  home. 

Thursday,  16.  We  had  to  ride  fifteen  miles  through  the 
rain  to  Oxford's.  After  preaching  on  Hebrews  ii,  1,  we 
rode  eight  miles  to  Paynes's.  The  weather  was  very  damp : 
I  felt  the  chill  through  me.  The  next  morning  I  was  seized 
with  a  fever  which  held  me  more  or  less  until  Sabbath  morn- 


340  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Mar.,  1191. 

ing,  when  I  preached  at  Perkins's  and  Connelly's  meeting- 
houses; at  the  former  on  Heb.  ii,  3,  and  at  the  latter  on 
2  Cor.  latter  part  of  the  sixth  chapter.  Here  as  many  as 
eight  preachers  came  to  meet  me ;  some  of  them  one  hundred 
miles.  I  feel  myself  very  unwell,  and  am  afraid  that  almost 
every  rain  will  bring  on  a  relapse  of  the  fever.  My  mind  of 
late  is  much  resigned  to  the  will  of  God  ;  I  feel  I  have  nothing 
here  but  the  Church  of  God;  I  would  not  throw  my  life 
away  nor  hold  it  back,  if  the  Lord  called  for  it  in  labouring, 
travelling,  and  suffering.  I  conclude  I  have  ridden  one  hun- 
dred miles  this  week,  and  the  weather  has  been  very  uncom- 
fortable, the  roads  bad,  and  our  lodging  in  some  very  open 
houses ;  to  which  I  may  add  my  preaching  in  new  and  unfin- 
ished meeting-houses  in  March,  which  is  a  searching,  change- 
able month,  especially  near  the  mountains. 

Sabbath  day,  19.  At  Connelly's  new  church  I  preached  on 
2  Cor.  vii,  1 .    I  only  intended  to  give  a  short  discourse. 

Monday,  20.  I  had  but  twenty  miles  to  ride  to  Esquire 
White's,  at  the  Mulberry  Grove.    Here  I  left  Doctor  S. 

B  1 ;  but  death  hath  now  removed  him.    I  still  continued 

to  feel  feverish  and  feeble,  and  thought  it  needful  to  take 
mountain  bark. 

Tuesday,  21.  I  preached  once  more  at  Johns  River;  my 
subject  was  1  Cor.  i,  24,  25.  As  I  thought  it  would  be  my 
last,  I  exerted  myself  until  my  chill  and  fever  returned :  I 
also  administered  the  sacrament  and  baptized  children. 

Wednesday,  22.  I  set  out  on  my  journey  for  the  west ;  and 
it  had  a  serious  influence  on  my  mind  to  leave  brother  Hill 
behind,  who  I  fear  hath  a  confirmed  consumption,  and  I  too 
so  unwell.  It  began  to  rain  violently  before  we  came  to 
Henley's.  I  took  shelter  in  a  house  from  the  rain,  and  talked 
and  prayed  with  a  poor  woman.  We  dined  at  Mr.  Henley's, 
calling  at  Wakefield  only  to  talk  and  pray.  I  cannot  well 
pass  by  my  friends  without  calling.  We  hastened  across 
Lynville  Mountain,  which  is  awfully  barren,  and  came  on  to 
Young's  Cove.  The  storm  followed  us,  with  thunder,  light- 
ning, and  rain.    We  arrived  after  some  of  the  people  were 


Mar.,!^.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  341 

gone  ;  but  some  returned,  and  I  gave  them  but  a  small  talk, 
being  very  weary  in  walking  down  tbe  mountains,  and  over 
the  rocks. 

Thursday,  23.  I  came  to  Davenport's.  My  subject  was 
"  Godliness  is  profitable,"  <fec.  Grace  in  the  heart,  in  all  its 
operations.  Bodily  exercise  for  a  little  time  is  useful  for 
health — for  the  present  world — for  the  means  of  grace.  God- 
liness promiseth  everything  we  can  wish  for  in  the  present 
and  future  life ;  answering  all  the  purposes  of  civil,  domestic, 
and  Christian  life  : — justice,  mercy,  and  truth  ; — every  duty 
and  relation  ;  all  the  joys  and  all  the  sufferings  of  life ;  all 
the  lawful  use  of  lawful  things  ; — and  prepares  for  the  enjoy- 
ment of  God,  Christ,  the  Eternal  Spirit,  angels,  and  glory. 

Friday,  24.  I  was  unwell :  the  clouds  were  lowering.  We 
had  ridden  but  a  mile  when  the  rain  began.  Brother  Jones's 
house  was  at  hand.  Here  we  stopped  two  hours,  until  some 
of  the  rain  fell  to  the  earth.  There  was  a  short  cessation, 
and  about  half-past  twelve  o'clock  we  set  out  again,  rode  six 
miles,  and  were  driven  into  Mr.  Cook's  by  thunder,  hail,  and 
rain.  Here  we  stopped  to  talk  with  God  and  man.  Hard 
necessity  made  us  move  forward  :  the  western  branch  of  Toe 
River,  that  comes  down  from  the  Yellow  Mountain,  was 
rapidly  filling ;  and  was  rocky,  rolling,  and  roaring  like  the 
sea,  and  we  were  compelled  to  cross  it  several  times.  When 
we  came  to  ascend  the  mountain,  we  had  a  skirmish  of  rain, 
thunder,  and  lightning — it  was  distant — it  was  mercy.  I  found 
hard  work  to  ride  where  Thomas  White  had  driven  his  wagon, 
for  which  he  deserves  a  place  in  my  journal  and  a  premium 
from  the  State.  When  we  had  ascended  the  summit  of  the 
mountain,  we  found  it  so  rich  and  miry,  that  it  was  with 
great  difficulty  we  could  ride  along  ;  but  I  was  wrapped  up 
in  heavy,  wet  garments,  and  unable  to  walk  through  weakness 
of  body  ;  so  we  had  it,  pitch,  slide,  and  drive  to  the  bottom. 
We  then  came  upon  the  drains  and  branches  of  Great-Toe 
River.  From  Fisher's  we  had  to  ride  through  what  I  called 
the  shades  of  death,  four  miles  to  Miller's.  Here  we  had  to 
cope  with  Toe  River,  and  near  the  house  came  into  deep 


342 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Mar.,  1191. 


water.  My  horse  drove  to  the  opposite  bank  above  the  land- 
ing, and  locked  one  of  his  feet  in  a  root,  or  something  like  it, 
but  freed  himself.  At  last  we  made  the  house ;  the  people 
received  us  kindly,  and  gave  us  such  things  as  they  had.  We 
could  only  partially  dry  our  garments.  We  heard  heavy 
tidings  of  a  deep  rocky  ford  yet  to  be  passed  in  our  way 
across  Toe  River. 

Tennessee. — Saturday,  25.  We  were  escorted  by  three 
brave  young  Dutchmen.  After  riding  three  miles  we  began 
to  scale  the  rocks,  hills,  and  mountains,  worming  through 
pathless  woods,  to  shun  a  deep  ford.  I  thought,  ride  I 
must ;  but  no — the  company  concluded  to  walk.  I  gave  my 
horse  the  direction  of  himself,  under  Providence.  I  had  to 
step  from  rock  to  rock,  hands  and  feet  busy ;  but  my  breath 
was  soon  gone,  and  I  gave  up  the  cause,  and  took  horse 
again,  and  resolved  that  I  would  ride  down  the  hills,  al- 
though I  had  not  ridden  up  them.  At  last  (hit  ormiss,  Pro- 
vidence is  all)  into  the  path  we  came,  and  thence  kept  down 
the  river  and  over  to  Little  Toe,  bearing  down  the  stream. 
When  Ave  had  passed  the  Gap,  we  wished  to  feed  ;  but  the 
man  had  no  corn  to  sell.  We  tried,  man  and  horse,  to  reach 
Nathan  Davies's  ;  where  we  arrived,  and  were  made  com- 
fortable. I  was  much  spent  with  the  labours  of  this  day. 
Hearing  of  the  quarterly  meeting  at  Dunworth's,  I  rode  on 
Sunday,  26th,  twelve  miles,  and  arrived  time  enough  for  me 
to  give  them  a  feeble,  yet  faithful  talk,  on  Isa.  i,  9.  I  am 
of  opinion  it  is  as  hard,  or  harder,  for  the  people  of  the  west 
to  gain  religion  as  any  other.  When  I  consider  where  they 
came  from,  where  they  are,  and  how  they  are,  and  how  they 
are  called  to  go  farther,  their  being  unsettled,  with  so  many 
objects  to  take  their  attention,  with  the  health  and  good  air 
they  enjoy  ;  and  when  I  reflect  that  not  one  in  a  hundred 
came  here  to  get  religion,  but  rather  to  get  plenty  of  good 
land,  I  think  it  will  be  well  if  some  or  many  do  not  eventually 
lose  their  souls.  I  was  met  by  our  brethren,  Kobler,  Burke, 
and  Page.  I  rested  on  Monday  and  Tuesday,  to  take  breath 
and  medicine.    I  find  myself  so  hardly  put  to  it  at  times  that 


Apr.,  1797.]  ASBURT'S  JOURNAL. 


343 


I  can  only  journalize  a  little.  We  concluded,  as  there  are  not 
proper  stations  on  the  Cumberland  path,  it  will  not  do  for 
me  to  lodge  on  the  ground :  the  general  opinion  is  against  it. 
We  are  to  try  to  go  to  Kentucky  next  week. 

Wednesday,  29.  I  rode  to  William  Nelson's,  and  after  din- 
ner to  Nathan  Davies's.  Thursday  morning  I  was  very  weak, 
and  have  slow,  but  almost  continual  fevejjs.  I  preached  with 
great  difficulty  in  the  afternoon,  and  returned  to  William  Nel- 
son's. This  night  I  felt  a  total  change  of  mind.  The  weak- 
ness of  my  body,  and  the  cold  and  unsettled  state  of  the  wea- 
ther, made  me,  with  the  general  advice  of  the  preachers  pre- 
sent, give  up  the  cause ;  they  also  advised  me  to  make  the 
best  of  my  way  to  Baltimore,  and  not  to  ride  in  the  rain.  It 
may  be,  the  Lord  intends  to  lead  me  in  a  way  I  have  not  yet 
known  ;  it  is  perhaps  best  that  I  should  go  with  all  expedient 
haste  from  conference  to  conference,  only  stopping  at  the 
towns  and  chief  places  on  Sabbath  days.  Live  or  die,  I  must 
ride.  After  all  the  disappointments,  perhaps  every  purpose 
is  answered  but  one.  I  have  sent  brother  Cobler  to  take 
charge  of  Kentucky  and  Cumberland,  by  visiting  the  whole 
every  quarter :  brother  Bird  I  have  stationed  in  the  Holstein 
district.  I  have  written  a  circumstantial  letter  to  brother 
Poythress  and  the  Kentucky  conference.  I  have  made  a  plan 
for  the  stationing  of  the  preachers,  at  least  those  of  any  stand- 
ing :  and  now  I  will  make  the  best  of  my  way  to  Baltimore ; 
perhaps  there  may  be  some  special  call  for  me  there :  I  must, 
as  the  burden  of  meeting  the  conferences,  ordaining,  and  sta- 
tioning the  preachers  resteth  on  me,  save  myself.  I  am  pe- 
culiarly concerned  for  the  cities :  the  prosperity  of  the  work 
of  God  depends  much  on  having  proper  men  for  any  and 
every  part  of  the  work. 

Friday,  31.  It  being  rainy  I  rested.  Saturday,  April  1. 
The  weather  was  clear  and  cold :  we  set  off  for  brother  Ba- 
ker's. My  horse  hath  the  honour  of  swimming  Holstein  River 
eveiy  time  I  visit  this  country. 

Sunday,  2.  I  felt  better  than  I  had  done  since  I  crossed 
the  mountains.    I  preached  on  Acts  iii,  26,  and  was  for  push- 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Avr.,  1797 


ing  on  again  about  fifteen  miles  farther,  to  Edward  Coxe's : 
we  got  lost,  and  were  an  hour  in  the  night. 

Monday,  3.  We  made  a  stretching  ride  of  about  forty  miles, 
and  were  another  hour  in  the  night,  and  came  to  Half  Acres. 
I  was  fjroperly  outdone,  and  my  fever  returned  and  held  me 
thirty  hours. 

Tuesday,  4.  I  reached  the  widow  Russell's :  I  am  scarce 
able  to  read,  write,  sing,  or  pray ;  nevertheless,  after  I  had 
rested,  I  preached  in  the  evening. 

Virginia. —  Thursday,  6.  We  took  our  way  up  Walker's 
Valley ;  after  riding  about  eight  miles  my  weakness  came  on, 
and  I  was  addressed  by  name  and  earnestly  requested  to  stop 
and  take  refreshment  and  rest  at  Mr.  M'Carty's ;  here  we 
were  richly  provided  for :  the  mother  and  daughter  are  most 
agreeable  and  kind.  After  commending  ourselves  and  this 
affectionate  family  to  God,  we  came  to  Benoni  Banning's.  As 
I  was  told,  so  I  found  this  family — most  attentively  kind :  we 
stopped  here  Friday,  Saturday,  and  Sunday. 

My  fever  never  left  me,  as  I  thought,  from  Monday  until 
Friday  night.  I  am  kept  cheerful,  but  very  weak.  My  diet 
is  chiefly  tea,  potatoes,  Indian-meal  gruel,  and  chicken  broth. 
My  reading  is  only  the  Bible :  I  cannot  think  much,  and  only 
write  a  few  letters.  I  think  of  my  charge,  of  the  conferences, 
and  the  Church,  and  of  my  dear  parents,  who  will  probably 
outlive  me ;  I  must  be  made  perfect  through  sufferings.  I 
rest  in  rainy  weather,  and  have  to  ride  from  eighty  to  one 
hundred  and  twenty  miles  in  a  week.  The  way  we  now  go 
we  have  sometimes  to  ride  thirty  miles  to  get  to  a  house. 
From  the  9th  of  April  to  the  27th  of  May  I  have  kept  no 
journal.  The  notes  of  our  travels  and  troubles  taken  by  Jona- 
than Bird  and  Joshua  Wells,  will  tell  a  small  part  of  my  sor- 
rows and  sufferings.  I  have  travelled  about  six  hundred 
miles  with  an  inflammatory  fever,  and  fixed  pain  in  my  breast. 
I  cannot  help  expressing  the  distinguishing  kindness  of  some 
families  where  I  have  been  forced  by  weakness  to  stop, — Cap- 
tain Shannon,  on  Walker's  creek;  my  friend  Scarborough,  on 
the  sinks  of  Green  Briar;  Colonel  Moffatt  and  brother  Young, 


Juxe,  11913 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


345 


in  Augusta :  neither  can  I  forget  Mr.  Lee  and  Moore ;  the 
Harrisons,  at  Rocktown,  and  brother  and  sister  M'Williams ; 
Sisters  Phelps  and  Reed,  in  Winchester,  and  my  dear,  kind 
friend,  Doctor  Tiffin.  By  a  strange  providence  I  was  cast 
upon  Ely  Dorsey,  on  Linganore,  who  nursed  me  as  if  I  had 
been  his  own  father. 

Maryland. — From  the  2*7th  of  May  until  June  10,  no  jour- 
nal. We  rode  nearly  forty  miles  from  Linganore  to  Baltimore. 
I  lodged  at  brother  Hawkins's  retreat,  about  one  mile  from 
the  city.    I  lounged  away  a  week  in  visiting  a  little. 

Sunday,  June  18.  I  was  only  able  to  speak  about  fifteen 
minutes.  I  recover  but  slowly.  The  constant  resort  of  the 
wealthy  and  poor  visiting  me,  made  me  much  ashamed  that 
they  should  look  after  such  a  worthless  lump  of  misery  and  sin. 

June  25.  I  met  the  male  members  of  the  society  Sabbath 
morning,  as  I  had  met  the  sisters  and  the  official  members  in 
the  preceding  week.  I  obtained  the  liberty  of  the  managers 
of  the  African  academy  to  congregate  the  fathers  as  well  as 
to  teach  the  children.  We  had  nearly  five  hundred  coloured 
people.  Brother  Willis  preached  on  Acts  vii,  1,  and  I  added 
a  few  words.  In  the  afternoon  I  gave  a  short  exhortation  at 
Mr.  Otterbine's  church,  on  Howard's  Hill.  I  am  now  wait- 
ing for  the  making  of  a  sulky.  Thomas  Barber,  from  Birming- 
ham, (England,)  took  a  second^  likeness  of  me,  at  the  desire  of 
my  mother,  to  send  to  England.  I  am  trying  to  organize  the 
African  church.  I  made  interest  for  the  use  of  Mr.  Otterbine's 
church  for  Sabbath,  in  the  morning  and  evening  for  the  white 
people.  I  have  attempted  to  promote  society  meetings  at 
Old  Town  and  the  west  end  of  the  city,  either  at  the  Dunker's 
meeting-house  or  Mr.  Otterbine's  church.  My  feelings  or  my 
fears  premonish  me  this  will  be  a  sickly  summer.  I  visit,  dine, 
and  ride  out  every  day ;  but  it  is  very  hard  work  for  me  to 
eat,  drink,  talk,  and  do  nothing.  As  I  am  not  a  man  of  the 
world,  the  most  of  the  conversation  about  it  is  irksome  to  me. 
I  am  taken  from  house  to  house,  and  the  brethren  wish  the 
pleasure  of  seeing  me,  and  those  who  are  acquainted  with 
their  families  will  come  to  see  me  also. 

15* 


346 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [July,  1191. 


Monday,  July  3.  I  attempted  to  preach  in  Doctor  Allison's 
church,  and  felt  more  assisted  than  I  expected. 

Tuesday,  4.  I  was  taken  in  a  chariot  to  Perry  Hall,  in 
company  with  sister  Fonerdon.  I  felt  the  effects  of  my  ex- 
ertions on  the  Sabbath,  the  want  of  rest,  rising  early,  and 
riding  to  Mr.  Gough's.  In  my  mind  I  felt  almost  as  in  old 
times.  God  hath  not  left  this  house.  I  felt  great  love  to  the 
family  in  praying  for  them  in  the  family  and  in  the  closet.  I 
had  an  open  and  free  conversation  with  Mr.  Gough  about  his 
soul.  I  conversed  with  the  servants  also,  and  had  freedom  in 
prayer,  although  I  felt  weakness  of  body.  I  wrote  a  few 
letters  and  read  a  little  in  the  Bible.  The  weather  is  exces- 
sively warm. 

Saturday,  8.  I  cannot  now,  as  heretofore,  spend  ten  hours 
out  of  sixteen  in  reading  the  Bible  in  English  or  Hebrew,  or 
other  books,  or  write  letters  from  morning  until  night.  My 
bow  is  weak,  if  not  broken ;  but  I  have  more  time  to  speak 
to  God  and  souls.  Sabbath-day  I  performed  at  Mr.  Gough's 
alone. 

Wednesday,  12.  I  borrowed  a  servant  at  Mr.  Gough's, 
and  came  on  to  Mr.  Sheridan's  house,  North-East  Cecil 
county.  Here  I  borrowed  another  servant,  and  on  Friday  I 
rode  to  Wilmington,  and  stopped  at  Allen  M'Lane's,  now 
living  there.  » 

Pennsylvania. — Saturday,  15.  Warm  as  it  was,  I  reached 
Philadelphia:  and  Sabbath  evening,  16,  I  felt  free  to  labour  a 
little,  feeble  as  I  was,  and  enlarged  on  John  xiv,  1.  I  have 
great,  reason  to  be  thankful  for  my  sulky  ;  I  should  soon  be 
silent  without  it.  I  rode  to  Germantown  to  see  aged  mother 
Steel,  and  sister  Lusby,  and  found  freedom,  although  I  could 
hardly  walk  or  talk ;  yet  must  needs  speak  to  the  women  of 
the  house  about  their  souls.  Dined  at  brother  Baker's  re- 
treat, and  came  back  to  the  city  very  sick,  and  went  to  bed. 

New-Jeusev. —  Tuesday,  18.  I  came  off  to  Burlington; 
and  was  much  grieved  to  hear  my  appointments  had  been 
made,  and  not  attended  in  consequence  of  my  illness. 

Wednesday,  19.  Dined  at  Crossweek's,  at  brother  Abbott's, 


Sept.,  1797.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


347 


once  a  travelling  preacher,  now  a  merchant.  We  came  on  to 
father  Hutchinson's.  Here  I  was  almost  outdone  with  ex- 
cessive heat.  I  stopped  four  days,  but  found  it  hard  work  to 
sit  still. 

Monday,  24.  We  came  to  Brunswick  ;  dined,  prayed,  and 
rejoiced  to  hear  that  God  had  kindled  a  living  fire  here, 
through  the  instrumentality  of  a  brother  from  Elizabethtown. 
We  came  on  to  Elizabethtown,  forty  miles.  It  was  ample 
labour  for  man  and  horse.    Here  I  was  sick  again. 

Tuesday,  25.  I  rode  to  Newark,  and  dined  with  Mr.  Og- 
den,  a  steady  friend.  After  the  rain,  I  came  to  New-York. 
Here  I  spent  a  few  painful  days,  being  unable  to  visit  or  be 
visited. 

New-York. — On  Monday  I  came  to  Shotwell's,  very  un- 
well ;  and  the  next  day  to  Kingsbridge.  Here  I  was  com- 
pelled by  affliction  to  spend  two  weeks.  I  then  rode  to  New 
Rochelle,  and  lodged  at  Mr.  Sherwood's.  Finding  myself 
swelling  in  the  face,  bowels,  and  feet,  I  applied  leaves  of 
burdock,  and  then  a  plaster  of  mustard,  which  drew  a  des- 
perate blister.  I  had  such  awful  sore  feet,  I  knew  not  but 
that  they  would  mortify ;  and  only  after  two  weeks  was  I 
able  to  set  them  to  the  ground.  I  took  cream  of  tartar  and 
nitre  daily,  to  cool  and  keep  open  the  body.  I  also  made 
use  of  the  bark. 

Sunday,  September  10.  I  began  to  walk  once  or  twice 
across  the  room. 

Monday,  11.  We  began  our  route  to  Wilberham.  We 
had  not  ridden  far  over  the  rocks  before  I  was  taken  very  un- 
well. We  stopped  at  Byram,  at  father  Banks's.  I  was  soon 
put  to  bed  with  a  very  high  fever,  that  held  me  through  the 
night.  I  now  began  to  conclude  it  was  not  the  will  of  God  I 
should  proceed,  and  the  brethren  would  not  persuade  me  to 
go  on.  Brother  Totten  returned  with  me  to  mother  Sher- 
wood's. I  have  had  slight  fevers,  but  expect  to  rest  until 
about  the  first  of  October,  which  I  hope,  with  riding  a  little 
every  clear  day,  will  restore  me  to  health. 

Thursday,  14.  I  visited  Nicholas  Underbill's  wife,  who  is 


348 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Sept.,  1191. 


near  her  trying  hour.  I  hope  it  Avas  good  for  me,  for  her, 
and  for  the  family.  I  take  a  small  portion  of  bark  each  day, 
and  one-third  of  a  common  dose  of  cream  of  tartar  and  nitre, 
and  hope  I  shall  yet  be  raised  up.  My  mind  is  stayed  upon 
God  ;  and  I  hope  to  be  more  holy :  but  I  fear  I  shall  never 
be  able  to  ride  and  preach  as  I  have  done  in  former  days,  so 
as  to  be  more  useful.  I  have  now  much  time  to  think  of  and 
review  my  whole  life. 

The  kindness  of  this  Sherwood  family  is  great — my  dear 
mamma,  and  Betsy  Sherwood,  and  Jonathan  and  Bishop 
also.  If  I  had  not  been  at  home  here,  what  additional  dis- 
tress of  mind  would  have  attended  me !  My  friends  also 
were  welcome  to  come  and  see  me.  Sabbath-day,  at  the 
widow  Sherwood's,  I  had  the  pleasure  of  hearing  our  brother 
Matthias  make  a  pointed,  profitable,  and  powerful  discourse. 
It  is  now  eight  weeks  since  I  have  preached — awfully  dumb 
Sabbaths  !  I  have  been  most  severely  tried  from  various 
quarters ;  my  fevers,  my  feet,  and  Satan,  would  set  in  with 
my  gloomy  and  nervous  affections.  Sometimes  subject  to 
the  greatest  effeminacy  ;  to  distress  at  the  thought  of  a  use- 
less, idle  life  :  but  what  brought  the  heavy  pang  into  my 
heart,  and  the  big  tear  to  roll,  that  never  rises  without  a 
cause,  was,  the  thought  of  leaving  the  Connexion  without  some 
proper  men  of  their  own  election,  to  go  in  and  out  before 
them  in  my  place,  and  to  keep  that  order  which  I  have  been 
seeking  these  many  years  to  establish.  My  aged  parents 
were  dear  to  me  in  their  advanced  age  and  dependent  state : 
like  myself,  they  have  spent  what  they  had  to  spare  for  many 
years,  nearly  forty,  in  keeping  open  doors  for  the  gospel  and 
people  of  God  :  this  burden  hath  been  laid  upon  them.  I  am 
happy  that  I  can  now  ride  a  little  every  clear  day  for  my 
better  health,  and  can  eat  and  sleep  better.  I  am  left  too 
much  alone.  I  cannot  sit  in  my  room  all  day,  making 
gloomy  reflections  on  the  past,  present,  and  future  life. 
Lord,  help  me !  for  I  am  poor  and  needy  ;  the  hand  of  God 
hath  touched  me,  and  I  think  Satan  forts  himself  in  my  me- 
lancholy, unemployed,  unsocial,  and  inactive  hours. 


Sept.,  11913 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


349 


Sunday,  17.  I  was  strongly  impressed  in  my  mind  months 
ago  that  this  summer  and  fall  would  be  marked  with  heavy 
afflictions.  0  Philadelphia !  I  have  had  very  little  faith  for 
that  city.  I  have  often  remarked  the  general  contempt  of 
the  Sabbath ;  the  constant  noise  of  carriages  ;  there  is  a  per- 
petual disturbance  of  worshipping  assemblies.  It  is  true,  one 
event  cometh  on  the  righteous  and  the  wicked ;  but  God 
will  stand  to  his  word — he  hath  punished,  he  will  punish 
those  that  rob  him.  If  report  be  true,  the  distress  of  the 
Philadelphians  is  great ;  three-fourths  of  the  citizens  are  fled. 

Monday,  18.  I  felt  strength  of  faith  and  body,  as  if  I  should 
be  raised  up  again.  I  rode  for  recreation  nine  miles.  The 
clouds  are  dispelled  from  my  mind.  0  that  my  future  life 
may  be  holiness  to  the  Lord — prudent  and  exemplary  to 
many  !  I  wished  to  speak  to  a  poor  African  whom  I  saw  in 
the  field  as  I  went  out ;  and  as  I  came  along  on  my  return, 
he  was  at  a  stone  wall  within  eight  or  nine  feet  of  me.  Poor 
creature  !  he  seemed  struck  at  my  counsel,  and  gave  me 
thanks.  0,  it  was  going  down  into  the  Egypt  of  South 
Carolina  after  those  poor  souls  of  Africans  I  have  lost  my 
health,  if  not  my  life  in  the  end.  The  will  of  the  Lord  be 
done  ! 

Wednesday,  20.  I  rode  about  fourteen  miles.  I  met  a  mes- 
senger, who  came  to  desire  my  presence  to-morrow  at  the 
funeral  of  our  brother  Vanostrand.  I  have  known  him  about 
fifteen  years,  and  had  great  confidence  in  the  man.  He  hath 
laboured  as  a  local  preacher,  and  three  years  as  a  travelling 
one.  He  had  his  seals,  and  I  know  one.  Some  will  com- 
plain of  his  negligence  in  Elizabeth  circuit ;  but  what  could 
the  man  do?  He  gave  his  life,  and  perhaps  caught  the 
cause  of  his  death  by  bad  lodging  and  riding  in  cold  weather. 
He  told  a  friend  he  had  settled  his  temporal  and  spiritual 
business :  he  then  slept  in  peace.  Brother  Vanostrand  was  a 
native  of  Long  Island.  He  followed  the  fortune  of  king 
George  in  the  revolutionary  war,  but  soon  after  peace  he 
joined  himself  under  king  Jesus,  and  fought  till  he  died  in  a 
good  cause,  as  a  Christian  and  a  minister.    I  had  some  un- 


350 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Sept.,  1797. 


pleasing  symptoms,  and  am  ready  to  conclude  I  shall  linger 
into  death,  or  at  least  never  be  restored  to  perfect  health. 
My  soul  continually  cries  out,  Thy  will  be  done,  0  Lord  ! 

Thursday,  21.  I  attended  the  funeral,  and  gave  an  exhor- 
tation. I  have  ridden  twenty  miles  this  day,  with  little  rest 
and  no  food. 

Friday,  22.  I  rode  eight  or  ten  miles.  I  was  touched  with 
the  fever. 

Saturday,  23.  I  slept  well  last  night,  but  waked  with  a 
slight  fever.  I  received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Coke.  As  I 
thought,  so  it  is — he  is  gone  from  Ireland  to  England,  and 
will  have  work  enough  when  he  cometh  there.  The  three 
grand  divisions  of  that  Connexion  are  alarming.  It  is  a  doubt 
if  the  doctor  cometh  to  America  until  spring,  if  at  all  until 
the  General  Conference.  I  am  more  than  ever  convinced  of 
the  propriety  of  the  attempts  I  have  made  to  bring  forward 
Episcopal  men  : — First,  from  the  uncertain  state  of  my  health  ; 
Secondly,  from  a  regard  to  the  union  and  good  order  of  the 
American  body,  and  the  state  of  the  European  Connexion.  I 
am  sensibly  assured  the  Americans  ought  to  act  as  if  they 
expected  to  lose  me  every  day,  and  had  no  dependence  upon 
Doctor  Coke  ;  taking  prudent  care  not  to  place  themselves  at 
all  under  the  controlling  influence  of  British  Methodists.  I 
visited  three  families,  talked  and  prayed  in  each,  but  was 
rather  outdone. 

Sunday,  24.  At  Sherwood's  Valley  :  I  had  greatly  desired 
to  speak  to  these  people,  and  was  much  assisted  so  to  do ; 
my  subject  was  2  Cor.  vi,  2.  I  considered  by  way  of  intro- 
duction, what  character  of  people  they  were  who  are  to  be 
the  subjects  of  salvation — the  lost,  the  enslaved,  and  those 
that  cannot  save  themselves.  First,  Christ  the  author  of  this 
salvation ;  the  meritorious,  efficient,  and  moving  cause.  Se- 
condly, The  nature  of  this  salvation — to  reach  all  the  misery 
and  guilt  of  sinners  ;  to  save,  redeem,  and  liberate.  Thirdly, 
What  bespeaks  an  accepted  time  and  a  day  of  salvation ;  to 
have  God,  Christ,  the  Spirit,  ministers,  means,  and  people  that 
have  religion,  say,  Behold — now  is  the  day  of  salvation !  I 


Oct.,  1797.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


351 


was  able  to  speak  fervently  and  regularly  for  an  hour  with 
great  affection.  I  rejoiced  to  find  that  God  had  raised  me 
up  to  call  poor  mourning  souls  to  Christ,  and  to  warn  careless 
sinners.  After  twenty-six  years  the  Gospel  is  established  in 
this  neighbourhood,  at  a  small  distance  from  this  house.  I 
preached  at  Peter  Bonnett's  before  the  war ;  and  after  peace 
was  restored,  the  blessing  returned  to  his  widow's  house ; 
two  of  his  daughters  are  in  fellowship  with  us.  The  widow 
Sherwood's  was  the  substitute  house,  after  the  widow  Bonnett 
went  to  live  at  New- York :  now  they  are  about  building  a 
church  for  the  word  and  worship  of  God.  I  am  happy  to 
hear,  by  letters,  of  a  revival  of  the  work  in  several  places  in 
Virginia,  as  also  in  North  and  South  Carolina. 

Monday,  25.  The  day  was  clear,  and  very  warm.  I  rode 
up  to  the  Plains,  and  stopped  at  Elijah  Crawford's.  God 
hath  honoured  this  house.  Two  young  men  are  gone  into 
the  ministry  out  of  it.  I  have  ridden  nearly  twenty  miles, 
and  had  it  not  been  for  the  heat,  I  should  have  done  well. 

Tuesday,  26.  I  wrote  a  letter  to  ,  he  was  under  grief 

and  trouble.  This  day  Joshua  Wells  returned  from  Wilbra- 
ham  Conference.    Matters  were  conducted  well. 

Wednesday,  27.  The  preachers  came  up ;  and  Thursday, 
28,  we  had  a  sermon,  and  ordination  of  deacons.  I  was  em- 
ployed about  three  hours,  and  faint  indeed.  I  rode  four 
miles,  and  lodged  at  Morgan's,  East  Chester:  this  was  an 
excessively  warm  day. 

Saturday,  30.  We  rode  to  New- York ;  a  very  warm  day. 
I  found  myself  much  injured,  but  was  well  nursed  at  the 
nortli  side  of  the  city.  They  have  a  touch  of  the  fever  here 
in  George-street. 

Sabbath,  October  1.  We  had  much  rain.  Live  or  die,  I 
preached  at  the  old  and  new  church  on  Isa.  xxxiii,  20,  and 
Deut.  xxviii,  9.  I  had  some  disagreeable  things,  and  was  but 
ill  fitted  in  body  to  bear  them. 

Monday,  2.  We  rode  about  twenty-seven  miles  to  Ham- 
mond's.   My  fever  rises  ever  night. 

New-Jersey. — Tuesday,  3.  We  rode  thirty  miles  to  Joseph 


352 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1797. 


Hutchinson's.  I  lament  most  of  all  that  I  have  not  lived  in  a 
constant  state  of  prayer.  I  have  had  most  deep  and  sore 
temptations  of  many  kinds,  such  as  I  could  have  hardly 
thought  of  in  health.  I  must  be  tried  so  as  by  fire.  By 
reason  of  the  fever  in  Philadelphia  our  conference  is  moved  to 
Duck  Creek,  in  the  state  of  Delaware. 

Wednesday,  4.  After  the  storm  was  over  we  moved  on  as 
far  as  Crossweeks,  and  lodged  at  father  Lovell's.  I  was 
weak  in  body  but  comfortable  in  mind.  I  visited  three  fami- 
lies ;  called  at  Hancock's,  and  saw  my  old  friend  of  twenty- 
six  years'  membership.  I  came  on  to  Burlington.  Serious 
times  still  in  Philadelphia.  I  was  very  unwell ;  I  had  an 
awful  night. 

Friday,  6.  We  crossed  Dunkes's  ferry,  and  came  a  rough, 
crooked  way  to  Gcrmantown.  We  had  a  meeting  at  Dr. 
Lusby's. 

Saturday,  7.  We  rode  over  the  rocks,  after  crossing 
Schuylkill  at  a  ferry,  to  Chester,  and  thence  to  Aaron  Matt- 
son's.  There  is  a  new  house  and  mill  built  since  I  was  here ; 
but  there  is  room  enough  for  Christ  yet.  We  rode  to  Wil- 
mington, where  I  preached  on  Psalm  xlvi,  1-5. 

Delaware. — Monday,  9.  We  came  thirty-eight  miles  to 
Duck  Creek. 

Tuesday,  10.  We  began  conference.  I  appointed  the  pre- 
sident elders  to  take  my  seat,  and  I  sat  alone,  because  the 
hand  of  the  Lord  was  upon  me.  I  Was  resolved  to  put  out 
my  strength  to  the  last  in  preaching.  My  first  subject  was 
Isaiah  i,  26-28 ;  my  second  was  on  Luke  xvii,  12 ;  my  third 
2  Cor.  xiii,  11.  Great  times:  preaching  almost  night  and 
day  ;  some  souls  converted,  and  Christians  were  like  a  flame 
of  fire.  Eleven  persons  were  set  apart  for  elders'  and  three 
for  deacons'  orders. 

Friday,  13.  We  rose.  I  was  much  outdone,  yet  happy. 
We  appointed  a  standing  committee  to  inspect  and  direct  the 
press.  We  read  some  passages  of  the  notes  on  the  Discipline, 
and  left  the  remnant  to  this  committee. 

Maryland. — Monday,  10.  We  rode  to  Bohemia  Ferry, 


Oct.,  17  9  7. J 


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353 


twenty  miles.  Dr.  Ridgcly  has  sent  me  a  plenty  of  Columbo 
magnesia,  soluble  tartar,  and  bark.  I  am  much  grieved  that 
I  do  not  converse  more  abundantly  with  God  in  my  own 
heart  and  soul.  We  had  great  peace.  I  have  not  of  late,  if 
at  any  time  in  these  parts,  heard  such  an  awful  account  of 
fever  as  we  now  hear  rages  in  Baltimore  city  and  Point.  It 
is  reported  that  our  conference  was  first  moved  to  Evans's 
meeting-house.  I  spent  the  evening  at  Mr.  Bassett's,  and  lec- 
tured upon  a  chapter. 

Tuesday,  17,  was  a  very  warm  day.  We  rode  from  Duck 
Creek  to  North  East.  They  had  managed  the  matter  so  as 
to  appoint  for  me  and  brother  Lee  to  preach.  I  gave  them 
a  short  sermon,  on  Gal.  v,  7  :  "  Ye  did  run  well ;  who  did 
hinder  you  that  ye  should  not  obey  the  truth  ?"  I  lodged  at 
Mr.  Sheridine's. 

Wednesday,  18.  We  came  to  Josiah  Dallam's. 

Thursday,  19.  Reached  Mr.  Gough's.  I  was  comforted  in 
seeing  a  few  of  my  age  who  were  my  spiritual  children. 

Friday,  20.  After  all  the  alarm  we  came  to  Baltimore ;  a 
blessed  rain  settled  the  amazing  dusc  and  purified  the  air. 
•  Saturday,  21.  I  opened  conference,  and  gave  up  the  pre- 
sidency to  the  presiding  elders.  Returned  unwell.  Very  un- 
comfortable easterly  winds  and  rainy  weather.  I  mentioned 
in  my  speech  to  the  conference  the  weakness  of  the  episcopacy. 

The  conference  rose  on  Friday  27.  There  was  great  peace, 
and  all  the  preachers,  but  myself,  satisfied  with  their  stations. 

Sabbath  day,  22.  I  preached  at  Dr.  Allan's  church  the 
funeral  sermon  of  Martha  F.  Allison,  a  Methodist  for  about 
twenty-seven  years ;  a  class  leader ;  a  woman  of  sense  and 
piety :  the  subject  was  John  xi,  24-27.  We  had  a  crowded 
house. 

Sunday,  29.  I  opened  the  new  church  in  Light-street  with 
reading  2  Chron.  vii,  12;  Psalm  cxxxii ;  Haggaixi;  Markxi. 
The  elders  read  and  prayed.  My  subject  was  Eph.  ii,  19-22  ; 
and  at  Old  Town  I  preached  on  2  Samuel  xvi,  17.  I  had  to 
preach  the  funeral  sermon  of  father  Gatcli  on  1  Thess. 
iv,  13,  14.    I  observed  the  pleasing,  cheering,  and  charming 


354 


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[Nov.,  1797. 


manner  in  which  the  apostle  described  the  deatli  of  the  righte- 
ous. Sleep — sleep  in  Jesus ;  a  rest  from  labour,  sorrow, 
affliction,  and  pain  ;  happy  opening  visions  of  God  !  Secondly, 
The  hope  the  pious  who  are  alive  have  for  their  pious  dead 
who  have  had  experience,  and  long  continuance  in  religion, 
and  a  comfortable  dying  in  the  Lord.  Those  who  have  no 
hope  for  themselves  nor  their  dead,  how  awful  their  sorrow ! 
I  feel  myself  very  weak.    I  dined  at  Mr.  Bogers's. 

Tuesday,  31.  I  went  to  see  the  poor  orphans;  to  weep 
with  sister  Fonerdon's  children,  and  dear  Nelly  Owens,  her 
daughter  also.  They  had  a  Nelly  Owens  baptized  for  the 
dead  brother  and  sister  Reed,  my  dear  nursing  friends :  my 
aged  friends  brought  me  their  beneficence  and  tears. 

Wednesday,  November  1.  We  came  off  and  preached  at 
the  widow  Dorsey's,  on,  "  If  in  this  life  only  we  have  hope  in 
Christ,  we  are  of  all  men  most  miserable."  We  had  a  solemn 
assembly.  I  made  a  few  observations  on  the  hope  Christians 
have  of  Christ  only  in  this  life ;  if  in  this  life  only  Christians 
could  have  hope  in  Christ,  they  would  be  most  miserable. 
They  are  denied  the  sinful  pleasures,  profits,  and  honours  of 
the  world  ;  subject  to  great  afflictions  and  persecutions  ;  often* 
deprived  of  life  in  ages  past ;  no  mercy,  no  justice,  no  truth, 
no  love ;  lastly,  that  they  could  never  be  borne  up  under  such 
principles  and  persecutions  if  it  were  not  for  the  hope  of  future 
rewards  :  they  which  have  no  hope  in  this  or  the  future  world 
in  Christ,  are  of  all  men  the  most  wretched  and  miserable. 
My  horse  is  a  little  ungovernable,  the  weather  warm,  and  my- 
self unwell. 

Thursday,  2.  I  did  not  preach,  but  exhorted  at  Shadrach 
Turner's  :  here  are  five  children  and  a  mother  for  Christ,  and 
for  usefulness. 

Friday,  3.  We  came  to  Georgetown.  I  felt  very  feeble 
in  body,  almost  ready  to  faint  before  we  reached  Col.  Bell's : 
I  was  glad  through  my  weakness  to  be  excused  from  preach- 
ing :  brother  Lee  supplied  the  place.  I  visited  John  Long's 
family ;  I  saw  mother  Moore  after  more  than  twenty  years ; 
she  is  going  on  to  glory.    A  son  of  brother  Long's  was  sick, 


Nov.,  1797.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


355 


and  distressed  about  his  soul,  and  resolved  to  seek  redeeming 
grace.  We  must  needs  go  and  view  the  famous  bridge  ;  it  is 
amazing  to  see  the  river  so  contracted  that  a  stone  could  be 
pitched  over  where  the  bridge  stands  :  this  is  three  miles  above 
Georgetown :  from  the  bridge  upwards,  there  is  a  good  road 
cut  out  of  the  rocks.  The  rain  came  on,  and  we  were  glad 
we  could  find  Samuel  Adams's,  three  miles  from  the  bridge : 
here  we  were  happily  sheltered  from  the  weather,  and  com- 
fortably accommodated.  I  sent  for  brother  Waters  and  his 
wife,  and  we  improved  the  evening  in  the  way  Christians 
should  ;  in  prayer,  singing,  reading  the  word,  and  exhortations. 

Virginia. — Sunday,  5.  We  rode  ten  miles  to  Alexandria, 
and  had  only  time  to  reach  town  when  the  rain  came  on  power- 
fully. I  made  a  feeble  discourse  on  Isaiah  xxxiii,  20.  I  or- 
dained Thomas  Lyell  deacon. 

Monday,  6.  Came  out  of  town  late,  and  judged  it  best  to 
call  at  William  Bushley's.  We  had  a  storm  of  snow.  My 
mind  is  dull  and  my  body  languid ;  my  only  hope  is  Christ 
and  grace. 

Tuesday,  7.  We  thought  it  good,  as  the  weather  was  fine, 
to  stand  our  course  southward :  we  fed  at  Colchester,  at  the 
new  bridge:  we  were  told  it  cost  eighty  thousand  dollars. 
This  is  a  great  relief  to  hasty  travellers.  We  dined  on  the 
road,  in  the  woods,  on  what  we  brought  with  us.  We  got  to 
Dumfries,  where  court  was  then  sitting:  we  met  several 
drunken  men  in  the  way.  I  have  not  seen  such  sights  for 
many  days.  We  slept  at  Captain  Ward's :  they  expected  us 
the  evening  before.    I  ordained  brother  Hopkinson  deacon. 

Wednesday,  8.  We  came  away  at  eight  o'clock,  making 
twelve  miles  to  Stafford  court-house,  breakfasted  and  fed,  and 
then  drove  twenty-five  miles  to  the  widow  Bombry's,  where 
we  arrived  about  six  o'clock.  The  hills  were  very  bad  to 
climb,  being  much  washed  and  broken :  I  was  ready  to  be 
cast  away,  or  overset.  My  body  is  still  weak,  and  my  mind 
greatly  affected. 

Ttmrsday,  9.  I  had  gloomy  feelings  last  night.  Riding  in 
the  night  was  very  injurious.    I  feel  no  evil,  unless  something 


356 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Nov.,  IV 97. 


like  murmuring.  When  I  am  so  unable  to  travel  and  3'et  go 
on,  probably  I  do  more  than  God  or  man  requires  of  me  ;  but 
the  will  of  the  Lord  be  done !  If  I  suffer  or  sin  in  this,  he 
will  pardon  my  weakness. 

Friday,  10.  We  rested  at  the  widow  Bombry's :  this  mother 
in  Israel  treated  us  with  every  necessary  mark  of  attention. 
I  had  an  interview  with  sister  Forks  and  her  daughter.  I 
found  them  still  walking  in  the  narrow  way. 

Saturday,  11.  We  rode  ten  miles  to  Port  Royal,  and  then 
came  on  nearly  twenty  miles  to  the  widow  Rouse's,  in  Essex, 
where  we  were  kindly  and  comfortably  entertained.  We  then 
hastened  on  to  Lersy  Cole's ;  he  and  his  wife  were  gone  to 
quarterly  meeting  eight  miles  down  the  river,  but  a  pious 
young  sister  and  housekeeper  made  us  comfortable.  We  had 
a  storm  of  wind  and  rain  :  when  it  had  blown  over,  we  hasted 
to  the  meeting-house.  I  gave  a  short  sermon,  on,  "  N<^man 
speaking  by  the  Spirit  of  God  calleth  Jesus  accursed ;"  and 
that,  "  No  man  can  say  Jesus  is  Lord  but  by  the  Holy  Ghost." 
What  is  to  be  understood  by  calling  Jesus  accursed  ?  To  put 
him  wholly  out  of  the  question ;  to  expel  him  from  being  any- 
thing in  our  salvation ;  and  to  say  all  the  unkind  things  that 
the  Jews  said  of  him.  We  had  to  ride  five  miles  to  the  widow 
Huniby's ;  here  all  was  kindness  and  love.  We  rejoiced  to 
see  our  much  esteemed  brethren,  Cole,  M'Kendree,  and  Mead, 
and  to  hear  of  a  great  and  gracious  work  of  God. 

Monday,  13.  We  rode  to  Pace's  chapel,  where  I  preached 
on  John  xiv,  6,  after  which  we  had  several  exhortations,  and 
the  sacrament.  We  lodged  at  widow  Campbell's :  we  have 
been  fed  by  the  widows  more  than  Elijah. 

Tuesday,  14.  We  rode  to  Shackleford's  chapel,  and  held 
meeting  three  hours  :  we  had  a  large  and  solemn  congregation. 
I  preached,  although  very  unwell,  on  1  Cor.  ii,  12.  In  the 
month  of  July  last,  the  Lord  visited  this  place  in  mercy,  and 
it  is  judged  thirty  souls  not  only  professed  to  be,  but  were 
really  converted  to  God.  In  speaking  to-day,  I  showed — 
Of  whom,  and  of  what  the  apostles  wrote :  the  things  freely 
given  them  to  know  as  apostles  and  Christians — redemption, 


Nov.,  1*797.  ] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


357 


salvation  in  all  its  degrees,  conviction  of  sin,  repentance  for 
sin,  faith,  justification,  regeneration,  sanctification,  the  resur- 
rection, and  glorification ;  that  these  things  are  not  commu- 
nicated by  the  spirit  of  the  world,  but  by  the  Spirit  of  God. 
We  had  a  very  warm  day ;  we  fasted  eight  hours,  and  held 
meeting  three,  and  then  rode  nearly  twenty-four  miles,  and 
lodged  at  . 

Wednesday,  15,  was  a  snowy  day,  and  very  cold:  I  rode 
seven  miles,  cased  and  curtained  up  in  the  cai'riage.  I  kept 
house  at  brother  Bellamy's :  it  is  seven  years  since  I  was  here. 
My  mind  enjoys  peace,  but  my  body  is  languid.  I  had  a 
severe  fever,  and  found  it  time  to  rest.  A  society  of  nearly 
forty  here  is  now  increased  to  one  hundred,  and  it  is  hoped 
that  nearly  five  hundred  have  joined  this  year  in  Gloucester 
circuit.  I  preached  at  Bellamy's  chapel  on  Heb.  iii,  12,  13  : 
it  was  an  exceedingly  cold  day,  but  clear.  We  rode  ten  miles 
to  John  Ellis's,  where  we  were  comforted  with  kindness,  and 
blessed  for  one  short  night.  We  rose  early  to  go  on  our  way, 
and,  behold,  who  should  meet  us  but  Bishop  Coke,  with  a 
borrowed  horse,  and  a  large  white  boy  riding  behind  him  on 
the  same  horse  ?  We  halted,  and  then  agreed  he  should  have 
brother  M'Kendree's  horse  ;  but  up  came  John  Ellis,  and  took 
the  Doctor  home,  and  brought  him  in  a  carriage  to  quarterly 
meeting.  We  stood  on  our  course,  and  by  the  time  we  came 
to  Gloucester  ferry,  it  blew  a  storm  of  wind  and  rain :  I  had 
only  to  turn  the  chair  back  to  the  wind  and  sit  wrapped  up. 
After  two  hours  we  crossed  the  river  and  rode  in  haste  to 
John  Ellis's,  seven  miles.  We  drank,  ate,  prayed,  and  came 
on  our  way :  the  day,  to  one  in  my  state,  was  very  uncom- 
fortable. We  rode  thirty-two  miles  this  day,  and  stopped  at 
our  dear  brother  Taylor's,  in  James  City.  There  are  two  very 
good  meeting-houses  built  here  since  I  visited  these  parts  ; 
one  in  James  City,  and  the  other  in  New  Kent  county. 

Saturday,  18.  I  delivered  a  feeble  discourse  on  1  Peter  ii, 
1,2.  I  observed  on  the  malice,  for  some  real  or  supposed 
injury  done ;  guile  to  hide  malice  until  an  opportunity  for  re- 
venge offers.    Hypocrites — going  beyond  our  attainments, 


358 


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[Nov.,  1797. 


professing  what  we  do  not  practise,  or  not  practising  what  we 
profess ;  envious  at  the  excellencies  or  happiness  of  others ; 
evil-speaking — all  these  arising  from  the  bad  state  of  the 
heart,  chiefly  pride  and  self-love.  Babes ;  not  giving  them 
strong  food  or  medicines  :  babes  ;  strangers  to  malice  by  want 
of  understanding — and  not  having  a  capacity  for  guile ;  stran- 
gers to  hypocrisy ;  no  ideas  of  envy,  not  having  speech  to 
speak  evil.  Dr.  Coke  preached  on  Luke  xii,  14 :  "  For 
where  your  treasure  is,  there  your  heart  is  also."  We  spent 
a  night  at  the  widow  Cowley's. 

Monday,  20.  We  rode  thirty-one  miles  to  brother  Moor- 
ing's ;  I  had  a  thought  never  more  to  cross  at  old  James- 
town. But  we  had  a  remarkable  time  after  we  had  em- 
barked :  myself  and  Dr.  Coke  crossing  in  a  skiff,  the  horses 
and  carriage  came  in  a  large  boat;  my  Bible,  which  was 
clothed  and  bound  up  in  a  handkerchief,  was  accidentally 
thrown  into  the  river,  but  the  black  man  snatched  it  up  un- 
damaged.   The  weather  being  damp,  we  rested. 

Tuesday,  21.  I  wrote  a  small  epistle  to  the  official  mem- 
bers of  Baltimore,  and  another  to  Philadelphia,  as  also  a  short 
pathetic  letter  to  my  parents.  We  have  ridden  little  less  than 
four  hundred  miles  in  twenty  days,  and  rested  one.  We  had 
very  damp  weather. 

Wednesday,  22,  at  brother  Bellamy's. 

Thursday,  23.  I  rode  about  thirty  miles  to  Mr.  Briggs's, 
to  see  how  the  preachers  would  be  accommodated,  and  where 
the  conference  would  be  held :  Mr.  Briggs  was  willing  to 
take  eight  or  ten  of  the  preachers,  and  gave  the  conference 
the  offer  of  his  hall  to  sit  in. 

Friday,  24.  I  visited  my  old  friends,  and  wrote  to  Alex- 
ander Mather.  My  route,  which  I  only  guessed  at,  is  now 
fixed  by  Norfolk,  Portsmouth,  Newbern,  Kingston,  George- 
town, and  Charleston, — between  five  and  six  hundred  miles 
in  little  more  than  a  month ;  sick  or  well,  living  or  dead,  my 
appointments  go  on. 

Saturday,  25.  The  conference  began  their  sitting  at 
Lane's  chapel.    About  sixty  preachers  were  present:  nine  or 


Dec,  1797.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


359 


ten  had  located  ;  and  four  or  five  were  added.  Sabbath  day 
two  hours  were  spent  in  speaking  of  the  circuits,  and  for 
souls. 

Wednesday,  29.  At  noon  the  conference  rose  ;  the  business 
was  conducted  with  despatch,  and  in  much  peace.  I  desired 
the  advice  of  the  conference  concerning  my  health :  the  an- 
swer was,  that  I  should  rest  until  the  session  of  the  conference 
to  be  held  in  April,  in  Virginia. 

Thursday,  30.  I  travelled  under  much  weakness  of  body  to 
Stith  Parham's,  at  the  High-hill  store. 

Friday,  December  1.  I  collected  the  small  remains  of 
strength  I  had,  to  read,  and  hear  read  my  manuscript  journal. 
It  was  written  in  such  haste  that  it  was  very  incorrect.  I 
visited  Robert  Jones's  family,  and  on 

Sunday,  3,  Ave  had  a  family  meeting :  brother  M'Kendree 
preached  on  faith,  hope,  and  charity, — on  faith  to  me,  as  I 
felt  the  need  of  its  exercise. 

Monday,  4.  We  stopped  one  night  at  Matthew  Davis's  ;  and 
the  next  at  Ira  Ellis's.  Our  time  was  taken  up  in  journal- 
izing ;  I  came  off  twenty-five  miles  to  Edward  Drumgold's : 
once  or  twice  I  felt  on  my  way  thither  as  if  the  blood  would 
rise  into  my  mouth.  I  resolved  to  give  up  travelling  this 
winter.  Dr.  Sims  bled  me ;  and  there  appeared  an  inflam- 
matory buff  on  the  top.  0  !  to  rest — to  be  idle  and  depen- 
dant— is  painful :  but  if  this  is  to  make  me  perfect,  the  will 
of  the  Lord  be  done !  I  sent  my  papers  to  brother  Lee,  who 
proceeds  to  Charleston ;  also  my  plan  and  directions  how  to 
station  the  preachers,  to  brother  Jackson.  I  believed  that 
my  going  to  Charleston  this  season,  would  end  my  life ;  yet, 
could  I  be  persuaded  it  was  the  will  of  the  Lord,  I  would  go 
and  preach.  I  cannot  bear  the  fatigue  of  riding  thirty  miles 
in  a  day.  I  am  much  pressed  to  make  my  will,  Jest  I  should 
be  surprised  by  death ;  my  mind  is  greatly  calmed  and 
centred  in  God.  I  have  well  considered  all  the  solemnities 
of  death. 

Saturday  and  Sunday,  9,  10.  We  sat  melancholy  in  the 
house — dumb  Sabbaths/    Dr.  Sims  read  me  Mr.  Wesley's 


3(30 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Dec,  1797. 


sermon  upon  the  depth  of  the  riches  of  the  wisdom  and  of 
the  knowledge  of  God. 

Monday,  11.  I  was  led  to  meditate  on  the  same  subject: 
"By  whom  shall  Jacob  rise?"  1.  Jacob, — the  Church. 
2.  Rise  to  spiritual  glory.  3.  By  whom  Jacob  hath  risen. 
4.  By  whom  the  Church  shall  rise — it  is  a  prophetic  charac- 
ter of  the  Church.  Jacob — see  that  man  loved  by  his  mo- 
ther, hated  by  his  brethren  after  the  flesh,  guarded  against 
unlawful  marriages,  yet  had  two  wives,  representing  the  Jew- 
ish and  Gentile  state  of  the  Church.  See  his  afflictions  and 
persecutions  ;  the  danger  of  being  extinct  in  his  family  ;  yet 
preserved,  his  children,  his  piety,  his  prayers.  A  type  of 
Christ,  and  his  Church.  Jacob  rise !  rise,  increase  in  chil- 
dren, in  faith,  in  love,  in  mercy,  in  justice,  in  truth,  in  zeal,  in 
ministerial  gifts,  in  faithful  watchmen.  By  whom  hath  the 
Church  risen  ?  By  Abel,  by  Enoch,  by  Noah,  by  Abraham, 
Isaac,  and  Jacob ;  by  Moses  and  Aaron,  Joshua,  and  the  el- 
ders that  outlived  Joshua ;  by  Joel,  by  Ruth,  by  Obadiah, 
servant  of  Ahab,  by  Micah,  by  Joash,  by  Jothan,  Hezekiah, 
and  his  grandson  Josiah ;  and  all  the  prophets ;  by  the  great 
wrestling  Jacob ;  by  Jesus  and  his  apostles ;  by  faithful  min- 
isters in  all  ages,  nations,  and  societies.  We  want  knowledge 
to  know,  and  time  to  mention  their  names.  By  whom  shall 
Jacob  rise  ?  God  will  pour  out  his  Spirit  in  the  last  days  on 
ministers  and  people,  old  men  and  maidens,  young  men  and 
children,  ministers  and  members  of  his  Church,  magistrates  and 
masters,  parents  and  guardians.  He  is  small :  sec  all  the  little 
flock — the  holy  seed;  all  the  weaknesses,  all  the  apostates 
and  backsliders,  all  the  want  of  justice,  mercy,  truth,  and  true 
religion :  these  shall  be  replaced  with  opposite  characters  and 
graces ;  all  the  vacancies  of  ministers  and  virtues  shall  be 
filled  up,  and  more  abundantly  supplied  in  spiritual  and  hea- 
venly glory,  when  all  shall  know  the  Lord,  and  be  taught 
of  the  Lord,  and  all  be  righteous,  and  the  knowledge  of  the 
Lord  shall  cover  the  earth,  as  the  water  doth  all  the  deep 
places  of  the  earth  and  seas.  But  by  whom  shall  Jacob  rise  ? 
I  answer,  by  the  wisdom,  power,  mercy,  truth,  love,  and  ho- 


Dec,  1797.] 


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361 


liness  of  God,  displayed  in  a  glorious  Gospel.  I  am  sure 
Jacob  shall  rise  by  the  merit,  righteousness,  and  intercession  of 
Jesus  Christ.  I  answer  again,  by  the  operations  of  the  eter- 
nal Spirit  of  God,  in  its  convincing,  converting,  and  sanctify- 
ing influences,  manifested  by  the  calling  and  qualifying 
ministers  for  the  work ;  that  thousands  of  ministers  may  go 
forth,  and  millions  of  souls  may  be  brought  home  by  their 
instrumentality. 

Tuesday,  12.  Whilst  taking  a  sober,  contemplative  ride  for 
three  hours,  I  conversed  sweetly  with  God ;  my  mind  and 
body  were  refreshed  with  a  clear  and  cold  day.  I  read  a 
few  chapters  in  the  book  of  God.  In  the  evening  Mr.  James 
Green  Martin  came  to  receive  deacon's  orders ;  he  brought 
letters  of  consolation  from  Richard  YVhatcoat  and  Jesse  Lee. 
Also  the  wishes  of  my  dear  brethren  and  sisters  that  waited 
to  see  me. 

Wednesday,  13.  I  felt  a  little  better ;  I  rode  out,  but  it  was 
not  as  comfortable  a  day  as  yesterday.  The  smallest  exercise 
or  application  to  study  is  too  great  for  me.  The  doctor  pro- 
nounces my  complaint  to  be  debility,  i  have  taken  cider  with 
nails  put  into  it,  and  fever  powders,  and  must  take  more  of 
the  barks. 

Thursday,  14.  My  mind  is  grieved  with  the  old  sore  in 
Virginia;  but  I  must  bear  it  patiently.  One  of  our  sisters 
asked  me  if  we  would  not  rebaptize  persons  that  desired  it. 
This  put  me  to  thinking  and  revolving  the  subject  in  my  mind. 
I  considered  that  there  was  neither  precept  nor  example  in  holy 
writ  to  justify  our  rebaptizing  one  who  had  been  baptized  in  the 
name  and  form  which  Christ  commanded  in  Matt,  xxviii,  19. 

Friday,  15.  Was  my  well  day  ;  I  took  some  of  the  powders, 
had  good  nursing,  and  got  rest.  I  only  read  the  Bible  and 
the  Form  of  Discipline.  I  write,  ride,  and  talk  a  little  with 
the  women,  children,  and  Africans.  My  thoughts  were  led 
to  meditate  upon  1  Timothy  iv,  16  :  "  Take  heed  unto  thyself, 
and  unto  the  doctrine ;  continue!  in  them :  for  in  doing  this 
thou  shalt  both  save  thyself  and  them  that  hear  thee." 

I.  "  Take  heed  to  thyself," — in  religion,  as  in  nature,  self- 

Vol.  II.— 16 


3G2 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Dec,  1797. 


preservation  is  one  of  the  first  laws.  Take  heed  that  thy  ex- 
perience in  religion  and  doctrine  be  sound ;  that  thou  hast  a 
good  heart,  and  a  good  head,  and  a  good  life,  and  a  good 
conversation,  ministerial  diligence  and  fidelity  in  every  part 
of  Christian  and  pastoral  duty.  Saved  already  by  grace, 
thou  shalt  be  preserved  from  all  the  snares  set  for  thy  feet, 
and  not  backslide  as  a  Christian  minister,  but  feel  persevering, 
sanctifying,  glorifying,  and  crowning  grace. 

II.  Thou  shalt  "save  them  that  hear  thee,"  from  luke- 
warmness  and  backsliding;  legality  on  the  one  hand,  and 
making  void  the  law  through  faith  on  the  other ;  that  they 
profess  and  possess,  live  and  walk  as  it  becometh  the  Gospel 
of  Christ. 

III.  "  Continue  in  them," — in  all  the  doctrines,  ordinances, 
and  duties  of  the  Gospel :  the  same  Gospel,  the  same  ordi- 
nances, the  same  duties  which  are  designed  to  complete  the 
work  in  the  souls  of  ministers  as  Christians,  are  as  needful  to 
continue  the  work  of  grace  as  to  begin  it ;  and  not  only  con- 
tinue, but  to  finish  and  bring  on  the  headstone  with  shouting. 

Saturday,  16.  I  employed  myself  as  much  as  my  health 
would  admit,  in  reading  the  Bible  and  writing  such  observa- 
tions thereon  as  were  suggested  to  my  mind. 

Sunday,  17.  I  had  to  keep  house;  O  dumb  day!  I  am 
better,  yet  it  is  not  safe  for  me  to  go  out  such  very  cold 
weather.  I  read  the  word  of  God  (for  my  comfort)  and 
preached. 

Monday,  18.  Very  little  done;  I  wrote  to  Dr.  Coke,  ad- 
vising against  the  British  brethren  going  to  law  with  the  con- 
tentious party  about  their  houses. 

Tuesday,  19.  I  am  in  a  more  comfortable  state  of  body 
and  mind,  for  which  I  feel  thankful.    I  am  taking  the  bark. 

Wednesday,  20.  I  felt  much  amended  by  the  bark  and 
rest.  It  appears  to  have  been  the  Mount  Moiiah  where 
Abraham  essayed  to  offer  up  his  Isaac,  on  which  the  temple  of 
God  was  built  upwards  of  eight  hundred  }rears  thereafter, 
and  before  the  offering  of  Christ,  nearly  or  upon  the  same 
spot,  eight  hundred  and  seventy-two :  the  types  and  prophe- 


Dec,  1797.]  ASBURT'S  JOURNAL. 


363 


cies  are  not  small  arguments  for  the  truth  of  the  Scriptures  ; 
for  fore-knowledge  doth  not  belong  to  man — he  cannot  tell, 
only  by  probable  conjectures,  anything  that  will  befall  him- 
self, unless  revealed  by  the  spirit  of  prophecy.  The  prophecy 
made  by  the  man  of  God,  1  Kings  xiii,  fulfilled  by  Josiah 
2  Kings  xxiii.  Between  the  prophecy  and  fulfilment  a  pro- 
bable space  of  time  of  about  three  hundred  and  fifty  years, 
completely  accomplished  in  every  punctilio,  and  the  prophet's 
tomb  and  sleeping  ashes  taken  notice  of,  the  prophet's  me- 
mory kept,  who  died  a  witness  to  what  he  said,  to  seal  the 
truth,  and  his  sleeping  bones  lying  there  on  the  spot :  what 
man,  untaught  by  God,  who  knoweth  all  things,  could  come 
and  foretell  such  events  which  should  so  surely  come  to  pass, 
without  being  taught  and  sent  of  God  ? 

Thursday,  21.  Perhaps  we  may  call  this  one  of  the  cold- 
est days  of  this  winter.  I  slept  under  two  double-milled 
blankets,  beside  coverlids  and  sheets,  but  could  not  keep  warm. 
This  is  the  fifth  season  of  cold  weather  we  have  had  in  Vir- 
ginia since  the  first  of  November.  We  have  had  snow,  but 
this  is  gone  in  a  day :  this  excepted,  it  is  cold  enough  for  the 
north.  Strange  life  for  me — to  sit  and  burn  myself  by  the 
fire,  and  to  be  nursed.  I  feel  a  small  return  of  health.  I 
have  been  reading  David's  Psalms  in  Hebrew,  and  the  Book 
of  Genesis  in  the  English  Bible.  1  could  not  but  admire  the 
provision  made  for  the  heathen  nations,  civil  and  barbarous, 
by  Abraham's  second  marriage,  and  by  Ishmael  and  Esau's 
posterity.  This  attended  to  according  to  their  names,  as 
traced  in  the  Universal  History,  we  should  not  wondering 
ask,  Where  did  this  or  that  nation  of  people  come  from  ? 
either  Indians  or  Africans.  I  cannot  preach  now,  only  to  the 
family,  and  when  a  stranger  cometh  in. 

Friday,  22.  I  rose  in  the  morning,  in  some  fear  lest  1  had 
or  should  say  too  much  on  slavery.  I  made  choice  of  a 
verse,  1  Kings  xxii,  16 :  "  And  the  king  said  unto  him,  How 
many  times  shall  1  adjure  thee  that  thou  tell  me  nothing  but 
that  which  is  true  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,"  or  Jehovah.  I 
have  found  relief  by  taking  barks,  in  strength,  in  feeling,  in 


364 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Dec,  1797. 


breath,  and  in  my  breast,  and  have  a  hope  of  being  raised  up 
once  more. 

Saturday,  23.  Extremely  cold.  I  am  closely  confined  in 
my  room,  but  could  neither  read  nor  write. 

Sunday,  24.  It  is  exceedingly  cold  still.  The  pain  in  my 
breast  is  returned  ;  I  fear  it  is  immovably  fixed  more  or  less 
until  death.  Lord,  thy  will  be  done  !  Wearisome  days  are 
appointed  for  me.  Brother  Drumgold  came  in  the  evening 
of  Christmas  day.  I  am  cheered  with  company  and  with 
Christ  also.  I  feel  as  if  the  coming  year  would  be  marked 
with  displays  of  Divine  power  upon  the  souls  of  men  to 
whoever  may  live  to  see  it. 

Tuesday,  26.  We  had  open  weather  and  rain.  I  am  so 
much  better  in  health  that  confinement  is  as  trying  to  me  as 
hard  labour.  I  hope,  if  it  pleaseth  my  God,  I  shall  have 
health  to  be  of  some  service  to  mankind  yet.  Ah !  what  is 
life  and  all  this  dull  round,  but  for  God  and  souls  ! 

Wednesday,  27.  A  falling  of  snow — very  cold.  I  have 
taken  the  bark.  This  is  the  ninth  day,  and  I  am  strength- 
ened ;  but  the  wine  in  the  smallest  portions  makes  me  fever- 
ish, and  it  is  astringent.  I  feel  need  of  great  patience, 
prayer,  and  faith. 

Thursday,  28.  We  had  hard  frost  and  snow.  I  am 
thankful  it  is  rest  time  with  the  poor  blacks,  or  many  might 
be  frozen  to  death.  Ungrateful  man  that  I  am,  how  am  I 
favoured  above  millions ! 

Friday,  29.  Extremely  cold.  Mrs.  Selby  desired  to  see 
me,  bad  riding  as  it  was,  through  the  snow  and  ice.  I  am 
mending.  I  prayed  for  health,  and  had  faith  to  believe  I 
should  recover.  I  thought  if  God  would  spare  me  I  was 
willing  to  labour  and  suffer  out  my  days ;  but  the  thought 
of  being  useless  is  most  distressing  to  an  active,  benevolent 
mind. 

Saturday,  30.  I  felt  weakness  of  body  and  dejection  of 
mind ;  and  sometimes  I  am  brought  to  think  of  requesting, 
as  Elijah  and  Jonah  did,  that  I  may  die.  I  cannot  pray  in 
the  family  without  injury  ;  wherefore  should  I  request  to  live  ? 


Jan.,  1798.J  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


305 


0  !  my  God,  thy  will  be  done  in  all  things — mine  in  nothing, 
but  as  it  pleaseth  thee  ! 

Sunday,  31.  We  had  a  meeting  at  my  lodging. 

Monday,  January  1,  1 798.  Several  local  brethren  were 
present — Drumgold,  Lane,  Moore,  Smith,  and  Phillips.  The 
brethren  were  lively  in  religion.  I  am  now  taking  an  extra- 
ordinary diet — drink  made  of  one  quart  of  hard  cider,  one 
hundred  nails,  a  handful  of  black  snakeroot,  one  handful  of 
fennel  seed,  and  one  handful  of  wormwood,  boiled  from  a 
quart  to  a  pint,  taking  one  wine-glass  full  every  morning  for 
nine  or  ten  days,  using  no  butter,  or  milk,  or  meat ;  it  will 
make  the  stomach  very  sick,  and  in  a  few  days  purge  the 
patient  well.  I  was  better  in  my  feelings  than  I  have  been 
since  I  have  been  taken  ill ;  but  I  must  flee  conversation, 
grief,  and  care,  with  deep  and  close  thinking  and  composition. 

1  made  a  small  meditation  on  being  free  from  the  ceremonial 
law.  Polygamy,  slavery,  and  such  like,  were  never  com- 
manded under  this  dispensation,  but  only  tolerated,  and  ac- 
companied by  strict  injunctions  to  prevent  men  from  running 
to  greater  lengths  in  these  practices,  as  may  be  seen  in  Exodus 
xxi,  Leviticus  xxv,  Deuteronomy  xxiv.  Polygamy  was  al- 
lowed to  prevent  general  whoredom.  Servitude  was  regula- 
ted to  prevent  slavery  and  oppression,  death,  and  loss  of 
limbs.  If  any  had  asked  the  Lord  on  the  subject  of  slavery, 
as  on  polygamy,  he  must  have  said,  Moses,  as  a  man,  suffered 
this,  a  less  evil,  to  prevent  a  greater  ;  but  it  was  not  so  from 
the  beginning  of  the  creation  :  it  is  the  fall  which  hath  done 
this,  not  a  holy  God.  It  is  man's  work,  of  two  evils  to 
choose  the  least.  But  God  is  not  tempted  of  us  to  evil, 
neither  tempteth  he  any  man.  Christians,  of  two  evils 
should  not  choose  or  use  either,  if  they  would  be  like  God. 

Tuesday,  2.  Now  I  am  brought  to  the  second  day  of  the 
new  year — the  last  hath  been  a  year  of  great  affliction.  I 
may  have  travelled  about  three  thousand  miles,  and  have  been 
confined  with  affliction  and  weakness  six  months,  adding  the 
single  days  I  have  stopped,  as  well  as  weeks.  In  April  last 
I  had  very  little  expectation  of  living  until  this  day.    I  am 


306 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1798. 


now  under  the  exercise  to  desire  life,  that  I  may  see  the  con- 
nexion better  organized,  and  be  more  personally  useful. 

Wednesday,  3.  This  is  a  cloudy  day ;  it  is  probably  snow- 
ing north  or  west.  I  have  a  better  appetite  for  food :  my 
mind  is  greatly  agitated  at  times  ;  but  patience  shall  have  its 
perfect  work.  I  pray,  and  sometimes  I  wind  and  pick  a  little 
cotton,  and  read  and  write  about  one  hour  in  the  day  ;  but 
Christ  is  all !  I  cannot  be  inactive  :  the  hardest  work  I  have 
to  do,  is  to  do  nothing. 

Thursday,  4.  A  proper  day  for  rain  !  Last  evening  I  had 
a  very  high  fever ;  but  I  am  as  usual  to-day.  I  read  my 
Bible,  and  selected  those  texts  which  struck  my  mind,  that 
if  ever  I  should  preach  again  I  may  use.  Joseph  said,  I  fear 
God  ;  Nehemiah  said,  he  could  not  oppress  the  people  as 
other  governors  had  done,  because  of  the  fear  of  God.  Fear 
of  God,  in  seekers,  in  believers,  and  in  those  who  are  sancti- 
fied :  and  the  motives  to  the  fear  of  God.  First,  He  is  holy ; 
Secondly,  He  is  wise ;  Thirdly,  He  is  just ;  Fourthly,  He  is 
powerful.  If  holy,  he  hath  no  sin;  if  wise,  he  knoweth 
when  we  sin ;  if  he  is  just,  he  must  punish  sin  ;  and  he  hath 
power  to  punish  it.  A  man  may  be  wise,  but  not  all-wise ; 
a  man  may  be  just,  but  not  infinite  in  justice  :  thus  man  may 
be  holy,  but  not  holy  as  God ;  man  may  be  wanting  in 
Avisdom,  in  power,  in  holiness,  and  in  justice.  In  some  cases 
it  may  not  be  man's  duty  to  punish,  nor  in  his  power — not  so 
with  Jehovah.  Who  will  not  fear  him  according  to  his  attri- 
butes, and  according  to  his  word  of  threatened  vengeance  ? 

Friday,  5.  The  rain  is  over ;  the  clouds  scattered  and  gone  ; 
and  nature  smileth  again.  I  only  mourn  the  oppression  I  can- 
not remove. 

Saturday,  6.  We  have  open  and  pleasant  weather.  It  may 
be  that  many  have  overlooked  the  prophecies  of  Jacob  in 
Genesis  xlix.  We  may  look  for  the  fulfilment  nearly  four- 
teen hundred  years  after,  in  the  coming  of  Christ ;  and  about 
one  thousand  years  after,  we  shall  see  in  Jeremiah,  and  Daniel, 
what  Jacob  further  referred  to.  It  appears  that  it  was  the 
wish  of  Jacob  that  his  youngest  but  one,  Joseph,  should  have 


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367 


the  birthright,  which  Reuben,  his  first-born,  had  lost  by  his 
unnatural  incest  in  defiling  his  father's  bed.  Simeon  and 
Levi — we  cannot  tell  whether  they  had  a  blessing  or  a  curse 
for  their  zeal  against  folly  in  Israel ;  they  punished  whoredom 
with  cruel  murder,  and  vet  we  see  how  Levi's  zeal  wrought 
in  the  case  of  Cozbi,  and  the  Lord  confirmed  the  priesthood 
by  special  grant  to  him.  Joseph's  prophecy  concerning  the 
Israelites'  exodus  from  Egypt  was  not  fulfilled  for  upwards 
of  three  hundred  years  thereafter.  It  seemeth  that  Jacob 
wished  (but  Jehovah  willed  not)  that  Joseph,  and  not  Judah, 
should  be  the  ruler,  and  from  him  should  come  the  Shepherd, 
the  Stone  of  Israel,  the  promised  Messiah  :  see  this  1  Chron.  v. 

Sabbath,  1.  My  mind  is  serene  and  happy.  I  was  com- 
forted in  seeing  one  of  the  travelling  preachers.  The  physic 
I  have  been  taking  operateth  well.  0  that  I  may  not  flatter 
or  elate  myself !  I  can  only  promise  to  be  more  faithful  if  I 
have  more  grace. 

Monday,  8.  I  wrote  a  long  letter  to  John  Dickens  upon 
the  manner  of  expediting  his  books  to  the  distant  parts — viz., 
the  Journals,  Sermons,  Saints'  Rests,  Patterns,  Hymn  Books ; 
and  that  the  Magazine  should  be  our  grand  circulating  me- 
dium ;  only  let  us  have  more  American  Lives  and  Letters. 

Tuesday,  9.  The  weather  is  temperate :  my  mind  is  much 
pained.  0  !  to  be  dependant  on  slaveholders  is  in  part  to  be 
a  slave,  and  I  was  free-born.  I  am  brought  to  conclude  that 
slavery  will  exist  in  Virginia  perhaps  for  ages ;  there  is  not  a 
sufficient  sense  of  religion  nor  of  liberty  to  destroy  it ;  Metho- 
dists, Baptists,  Presbyterians,  in  the  highest  flights  of  rap- 
turous piety,  still  maintain  and  defend  it.  I  judge  in  after 
ages  it  will  be  so  that  poor  men  and  free  men  will  not  live 
among  slaveholders,  but  will  go  to  new  lands :  they  only  who 
are  concerned  in,  and  dependant  on  them  will  stay  in  old 
Virginia. 

Wednesday,  10.  I  have  some  peace  and  some  pain  of  heart. 

Thursday,  11.  My  mind  is  exceedingly  agitated  on  my 
peculiar  situation :  I  feel  each  day,  like  a  day  or  a  year  to  me, 
as  it  is  well  or  ill  employed.    Ebenezer  academy  is  under 


308 


ASBUllY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1798. 


poor  regulations ;  and  what  is  more  than  all,  some  gentlemen 
of  Brunswick  county  had  the  confidence  and  want  of  pro- 
priety to  wish  to  wrest  it  wholly  out  of  our  hands,  after  we 
had  collected  so  much  money  to  build  it. 

Friday,  12.  My  mind  still  in  pain.  I  read  a  chapter  each 
dajT,  and  take  down  those  verses  that  appear  to  me  the  most 
select,  and  which  I  have  never  used  before  in  preaching ; 
they  may  be  of  use  if  ever  I  should  serve  the  sanctuary  again. 
I  have  read  Kempis  and  Young. 

Saturday,  13.  I  finished  three  feeble  letters,  to  Nelson 
Reed,  Henry  Willis,  and  John  Harper.  I  cannot  read  or 
write  long  together.  I  wind  broaches  of  cotton  for  diversion 
and  recreation;  I  will  not  be  idle.  The  class  met  at  my 
lodging ;  and  I  ventured  to  give  a  small  exhortation  and  a 
prayer. 

Sunday,  14.  I  am  still  confined;  I  must  try  emetic  tartar, 
kill  or  cure.  There  is  preaching  at  the  chapel,  a  mile  and  a 
half  distant,  but  the  weather  is  such  that  I  cannot  go  with 
safety.  The  inveteracy  of  my  fever  was  such,  that  on  Mon- 
day, 15,  I  was  fully  resolved  to  take  three  grains  of  tartar 
emetic,  which  operated  powerfully  and  brought  off  a  proper 
portion  of  bile  :  in  this  I  hope  for  a  cure.  I  must  commend 
the  old  practice  after  all ;  no  anti-bilious  pill  will  answer  as 
well  in  my  case  and  many  others. 

Tuesday,  16.  I  read  a  letter  and  wrote  a  letter. 

Wednesday,  17.  I  am  weak  in  body,  but  some  better;  I 
read,  wrote,  and  wrought  in  winding  cotton,  as  I  could  not  be 
idle  and  wholly  inactive. 

Thursday,  18.  I  went  from  the  place  where  I  had  stayed 
six  weeks,  and  had  received  every  mark  of  affection,  to  brother 
Drumgold's,  ten  miles.    I  felt  at  home  here  also. 

Friday,  19.  My  fever  was  light  last  night ;  but  this  day  I 
am  uncomfortable. 

Saturday,  20.  Very  unwell.  I  am  strangely  brought 
down ;  Lord,  let  mc  suffer  with  patience  ;  thy  will  be  done  ! 
I  could  not  do  any  tiling  at  my  books ;  but  that  I  might  not 
be  wholly  idle,  I  wound  cotton  broaches  among  the  children. 


Feb.,  1798.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


369 


Sunday,  21.  I  sat  at  home  reading  a  little.  Monday,  I 
am  better ;  mv  fever  is  greatly  broken.  I  can  only  write,  and 
meditate  about  an  hour  in  a  day.  I  must  have  some  exercise, 
if  it  is  only  women's  work. 

Tuesday,  23.  We  had  news  from  the  assembly,  that  the 
American  ambassadors  were  rejected  at  Paris.  A  report  pre- 
vails that  the  French  were  about  to  invade  England  with  one 
hundred  and  fifty  thousand  men.  The  British  can  raise  two 
hundred  thousand  militia,  and  two  hundred  thousand  regu- 
lars ;  there  may  yet  be  most  desperate  times — worse  than  in 
Julius  Ceesar's  day.  My  mind  is  in  peace.  We  have  winterly 
weather ;  more  snow  after  much  rain  this  day  :  thank  God  I 
have  where  to  lay  my  head,  a  little  reading  and  winding  of 
cotton  that  I  may  not  be  quite  idle. 

Wednesday,  24.  Nothing  of  moment  except  a  few  thoughts 
for  Ebenezer  school. 

Thursday,  25.  I  employed  myself  in  winding  cotton ;  I 
cannot  think  long,  read,  or  write.  Rebecca  Drumgoold  reads 
for  me  out  of  Watts,  Alleine,  and  Baxter's  works.  I  am  much 
tried  :  the  weather  is  so  cold  that  I  must  keep  in  the  house. 

Friday,  26.  Was  a  gloomy  morning  to  me :  nothing  but 
the  thoughts  of  death  agitated  my  mind.  It  oppresses  my 
heart  to  think  that  I  live  upon  others  and  am  useless,  and 
that  I  may  die  by  inches. 

Sunday,  28.  A  solitary  day  to  me,  neither  preaching,  read- 
ing, wiiting,  nor  conversing. 

Monday,  29.  I  was  employed  in  revising  my  journal.  I 
am  like  Mr.  Whitefield,  who  being  presented  with  one  of  his 
extempore  sermons  taken  in  short  hand,  could  not  bear  to  see 
his  own  face.  I  doubt  whether  my  journals  yet  remaining 
will  appear  until  after  my  death :  I  could  send  them  to  Eng- 
land and  get  a  price  for  them ;  but  money  is  not  my  object. 

Tuesday,  30.  I  was  employed  in  explaining  my  manuscript ; 
but  am  afraid  of  intense  application. 

Wednesday,  31.  Still  engaged  in  revising  ray  journal. 

Thursday,  February  1.  1  rode  to  Owen's,  seven  miles,  and 
heard  brother  Whatcoat,  on  the  "end  of  the  commandment." 
16* 


370 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.          [Feb.,  1798. 


I  had  been  kept  back  so  long  that  I  was  constrained  to  spend 
about  forty  minutes  in  glossing  on  the  epistle  to  the  angel  of 
the  Church  of  Ephesus ;  I  then  commented  on  what  law  Paul 
must  have  alluded  to  in  1  Tim.  i,  9. 

Monday,  5.  I  took  four  grains  of  tartar  emetic,  and  had  a 
large  bitter  return. 

Tuesday,  6.  My  fever  was  very  light  last  night.  I  re- 
ceived a  most  loving  letter  from  the  Charleston  conference ; 
there  is  great  peace  and  good  prospects  there.  I  hope  to  be 
able  to  move  next  week.  I  have  well  considered  my  journal : 
it  is  inelegant ;  yet  it  conveys  much  information  of  the  state 
of  religion  and  country.  It  is  well  suited  to  common  readers ; 
the  wise  need  it  not.  I  have  a  desire  that  my  journals  should 
be  published,  at  least  after  my  death,  if  not  before.  I  make 
no  doubt  but  others  have  laboured :  but  in  England,  Scotland, 
and  Ireland,  and  those  kingdoms  which  have  been  civilized 
and  improved  one  thousand  years,  and  which  are  under  such 
improvements,  no  ministers  could  have  suffered  in  those  days, 
and  in  those  countries,  as  in  America,  the  most  ancient  parts 
of  which  have  not  been  settled  two  hundred  years,  some 
parts  not  forty,  others  not  thirty,  twenty,  nor  ten,  and  some 
not  five  years.  I  have  frequently  skimmed  along  the  frontiers, 
for  four  and  five  hundred  miles,  from  Kentucky  to  Green  Brier, 
on  the  very  edge  of  the  wilderness ;  and  thence  along  Tigers 
Valley  to  Clarksburgh  on  the  Ohio.  These  places,  if  not  the 
haunts  of  savage  men,  yet  abound  with  wild  beasts.  I  am 
only  known  by  name  to  many  of  our  people,  and  some  of  our 
local  preachers;  and  unless  the  people  were  all  together, 
they  could  not  tell  what  I  have  had  to  cope  with.  I  make 
no  doubt  the  Methodists  are,  and  will  be,  a  numerous  and 
wealthy  people,  and  their  preachers  who  follow  us  will  not 
know  our  struggles  but  by  comparing  the  present  improved 
state  of  the  country  with  what  it  was  in  our  days,  as  exhibited 
in  my  journal  and  other  records  of  that  day. 

Wednesday,  7.  Rain  and  snow;  I  am  a  poor  prisoner. 
Thursday,  8.  We  made  a  visit  to  Matthew  My  reek's,  and  re- 
turned. 


Feb.,  1798.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


371 


Friday,  9.  It  is  very  cold  weather:  I  was  glad  to  keep 
close  occupied  in  reviewing  my  journal,  and  writing  a  few 
letters.    This  is  a  sickly  time. 

Sabbath,  11.  I  did  not  preach;  I  cannot  attend  these 
meeting-houses,  they  are  only  calculated  for  summer,  or  good 
health.  I  have  hopes  of  being  useful  once  more.  My  mind 
at  times  is  under  strong  temptations :  I  cannot  bear  confine- 
ment. Mrs.    hath  told  some  persons  that  she  is  con- 
vinced, by  my  means,  that  slavery  is  sinful.  I  would  say — 
if  so,  move  heaven  with  your  prayers,  and  earth  with  your 
counsels  and  solicitations ;  and  never  rest  till  slavery  is  ex- 
pelled from  the  plantation. 

Monday,  12.  I  had  appointed  to  meet  the  trustees  of  Ebe- 
nezer  Academy,  at  brother  Holb's,  on  the  north  side  of  the 
Meherrin.  After  some  conversation  they  willingly  agreed  to 
address  the  conference  in  behalf  of  Ebenezer  Academy  for  an 
annual  subscription,  to  make  provision  for  a  man  at  about  one 
hundred  pounds  a  year,  who  shall  keep  an  English  school 
under  our  rules,  with  the  worship  and  the  word  of  God. 

Tuesday,  13.  I  rode  to  brother  Pelham's ;  here  I  was  at 
home.  I  spent  my  time  with  the  women  and  children,  in  wind- 
ing cotton  and  hearing  them  read.    My  soul  was  much  blessed. 

Thursday,  15.  The  weather  is  cool  and  changeable.  By 
letters  from  the  north  I  find  that  the  book  interest  is  upon  a 
good  footing,  the  fund  interest  well  secured,  and  great  peace 
reigns  amongst  the  preachers. 

Friday,  16.  There  fell  a  heavy  snow  from  six  to  nine  and 
twelve  inches  deep.  I  had  to  keep  house.  I  had  but  little 
to  say  but  what  would  call  for  weeping,  lamentations,  and  woe. 
I  was  a  little  recreated  by  hearing  Betsy  and  Nancy  Pelham 
read  Doddridge's  Sermons  to  Young  People. 

Saturday  and  Sabbath  17,  18.  Clear,  but  cold,  and  much 
snow.  When  I  get  sick  and  dispirited,  I  think,  Was  I  not  a 
bishop,  and  required  by  duty,  and  necessity,  and  conscience, 
to  do  the  best  I  can,  I  would  rather  go  into  some  line  of  busi- 
ness to  get  my  own  living,  and  not  lounge  about.  I  feel  for 
those  who  have  had  to  groan  out  a  wretched  life  dependent 


372 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Mar.,  1798. 


on  others — as  Peddicord,  Gill,  Tunnell,  and  others  whose 
names  I  do  not  now  recollect ;  but  their  names  are  written  in 
the  book  of  life,  and  their  souls  are  in  the  glory  of  God.  I 
reflected  with  pain,  that  we  had  never  reprinted,  in  America, 
the  life,  labours,  travels,  and  sufferings  of  that  great  man  of 
God,  David  Brainard,  of  gracious  memory ;  it  would  be  a 
book  well  fitted  for  our  poor,  painful,  and  faithful  missionaries ; 
none  but  God  and  themselves  know  what  they  suffer,  the 
minutes  of  which  for  one  week  might  fill  a  volume  written  by 
an  ingenious  pen  and  feeling  heart.  The  last  week  I  spent 
in  some  pain  of  mind,  patience  and  prayer.  It  being  meeting 
day  at  my  lodgings,  I  gave  an  exhortation  to  the  congrega- 
tion, having  three  subjects  in  view, — First,  The  excellency  of 
the  religion  of  Jesus  :  Secondly,  The  way  to  come  at  the  know- 
ledge of  the  hearts  of  men  and  women ;  namely,  by  their  ac- 
tions :  Thirdly,  To  put  no  confidence  in  frames  and  feelings, 
whilst  people  are  living  in  wilful  sin,  or  the  neglect  of  plain, 
known  duty. 

Sabbath  day,  25.  It  is  such  cloudy  weather  I  cannot  go 
out :  I  wind  cotton,  hear  the  children  read,  and  teach  them  a 
little  grammar.  I  have,  by  the  help  of  a  scribe,  marked  the 
States  I  have  travelled  through  for  these  twenty  years  ;  but 
the  movements  are  so  quick,  (travelling  night  and  day,)  it 
seems  that  the  notes  upon  two  or  three  hundred  miles  arc 
only  like  a  parish  and  a  day — on  paper.  The  understanding 
reader  that  could  judge  the  distance,  would  see  that  I  pur- 
pose to  have  the  names  of  the  people  at  whose  houses  I  have 
preached,  or  the  journal  will  appear  Utopian. 

March  4.  I  can  only  make  a  few  weak  observations.  What 
little  pen-work  I  dare  do,  has  been  in  writing  a  letter  to  York. 
I  shall  only  journalize  a  little,  and  never  enter  deeply  into  my 
other  subjects.  I  scorn  to  be  idle  ;  the  past  week  hath  been 
spent  in  the  cotton  work  with  my  fingers,  and  in  hearing  the 
children  read,  and  instructing  them  in  the  English  grammar, 
I  have  thought,  if  we  do  wrong  we  rank  among  the  vilest  of 
the  vile,  as  having  been  more  favoured  than  any  others.  Many 
other  Churches  go  upon  the  paths  already  trodden  two  or 


Mar.,  1798.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


373 


three  hundred  years.  We  formed  our  own  Church,  and  claim 
the  power  of  a  reform  every  four  years.  We  can  make  more 
extensive  observations,  because  our  preachers  in  six  or  seven 
years  can  go  through  the  whole  continent,  and  see  the  state 
of  other  Churches  in  all  parts  of  this  new  world.  We  of  the 
travelling  ministers,  who  have  nothing  to  mind  but  the  gospel 
and  the  Church  of  God,  may  and  ought  to  be  very  useful. 

Monday,  5,  I  class  among  my  weeping  days. 

I  have  rested  at  the  comfortable  house  of  my  dear  friend, 
Peter  Pelham,  from  February  9  till  March  9,  on  which  day 
we  rode  through  the  heat  to  Hubland  Saunders's,  and  on 
Saturday,  10,  to  Ebenezer  meeting-house,  formerly  Merritt's 
chapel.  I  met  a  few  local  brethren ;  the  house  was  open, 
and  the  day  warm.  I  was  soon  outdone,  and  sunk  into  de- 
jection ;  the  pain  returned  in  my  breast,  and  a  discharge  of 
blood  took  place. 

Sunday,  11.  I  sat  alone  at  brother  Merritt's  house.  It 
was  expected  I  should  preach — but  ah  !  woe  is  me,  to  be  cut 
off  from  the  happy  service  of  the  sanctuary  through  weakness 
of  body  !  0  Lord,  show  me  wherefore  thou  contendest  with 
me  !  I  was  concerned  to  bring  in  better  order  among  the 
local  line  of  the  ministry,  by  classing  them  together,  and  then, 
being  thus  classed,  by  making  them  take  regular  stations  on 
Sabbath  days.  I  also  appointed  them  a  leader,  to  meet  once 
in  three  or  six  months,  to  discourse  about  their  souls  and 
families,  and  the  congregation  and  society  they  attend. 

I  am  now  alone  with  God  the  Lord,  my  only  hope  !  In 
consequence  of  riding  twenty-five  miles,  a  bad  road,  and  sit- 
ting about  three  hours  in  conference  with  the  local  brethren, 
in  an  open  house,  I  am  quite  overcome.  It  shows  that  the 
main  spring  in  my  system  is  broken  or  much  weakened,  so 
that  every  feeble  attempt  I  make  to  do  any  small  service  to 
the  Church  is  very  burdensome  to  myself,  and  will  always 
give  grief  and  disappointment  to  my  friends,  to  my  dearest 
and  best  brethren. 

Sunday,  18.  I  have  visited  four  families  in  Brunswick,  and 
three  in  Dinwiddie  counties.    On  Saturday  I  had  a  close  con- 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Mar.,  1798. 


versation  with  some  of  our  local  ministry  :  we  had  great  union. 
I  was  led  to  inquire  of  them  the  state  of  their  own  souls,  and 
the  standing  of  the  societies  and  congregations  they  attended, 
and  advised  them  to  meet  in  a  conference  class  once  in  three 
months,  and  deal  faithfully  with  each  other,  and  plan  their 
work.  We  were  happy  to  find  seven  out  of  ten  were  not  in 
the  spirit  or  practice  of  slavery.  I  have  made  out  since  Fri- 
day week  to  ride  about  sixty-five  miles,  and  to  meet  as  many 
of  the  local  brethren  as  I  could  call  together  from  Brunswick 
and  Amelia  counties.  I  have  in  general  enjoyed  peace  of 
mind,  and  better  health  of  body,  than  heretofore.  I  received 
a  letter  from  the  African  preacher  and  society  in  Philadelphia, 
giving  me  an  account  of  the  revival  of  the  work  of  God  in  the 
congregation  of  the  Methodists  in  this  city,  amongst  both 
white  and  black. 

Sunday,  25.  Since  the  last  sacred  day,  I  have  visited  seven 
families.  A  friend  of  mine  was  inquisitive  of  my  trade  and 
apprenticeship — as  Mr.  Glendenning  had  reported  ;  as  he 
asked  me  so  plainly,  I  told  him  that  I  counted  it  no  reproach 
to  have  been  taught  to  get  my  own  living.  My  health  is 
somewhat  better.  I  am  yet  unable  to  read  or  write  largely ; 
I  can  pray  and  praise  the  Lord  a  little.  I  assisted  Philip 
Sands  to  draw  up  an  agreement  for  our  officiary  to  sign  against 
slavery  :  thus  we  may  know  the  real  sentiments  of  our  local 
preachers.  It  appears  to  me,  that  we  can  never  fully  reform 
the  people,  until  we  reform  the  preachers  ;  and  that  hitherto, 
except  purging  the  travelling  connexion,  we  have  been  work- 
ing at  the  wrong  end.  But  if  it  be  lawful  for  local  preachers 
to  hold  slaves,  then  it  is  lawful  for  travelling  preachers  also ; 
and  they  may  keep  plantations  and  overseers  upon  their  quar- 
ters :  but  this  reproach  of  inconsistency  must  be  rolled  away. 
Some  of  our  local  preachers  complain  that  they  have  not  a 
seat  in  the  General  Annual  Conference.  We  answer,  if  they 
will  do  the  duty  of  a  member  of  the  yearly  conference,  they 
may  have  the  seat  and  privilege  of  the  travelling  line.  The 
travelling  ministry  may  complain,  We  must  go  at  a  minute's 
warning  to  our  circuits,  far  and  near ;  and  attend  with  the 


Apr.,  1*798.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


375 


greatest  strictness  to  our  appointments  and  societies.  The 
local  preachers  go  where  and  when  they  please  ;  can  preach 
anywhere  and  nowhere  ;  they  can  keep  plantations  and  slaves, 
and  have  them  bought  or  given  by  their  parents.  The  local 
preachers  can  receive  fifty  or  a  hundred  dollars  per  year,  for 
marriages ;  but  we  travellers,  if  we  receive  a  few  dollars  for 
marriages,  must  return  them  at  the  conference,  or  be  called 
refractory  or  disobedient.  Let  us  not  have  the  grace  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  with  respect  of  persons  in  ministers,  any 
more  than  in  members — in  local  preachers,  any  more  than 
travelling  ones.  I  have  done  great  things  this  week — I  have 
ridden  nearly  sixty  miles.  I  heard  brother  Ira  Ellis,  on  the 
Second  Epistle  of  John,  verse  8 :  "  Look  to  yourselves,  that 
ye  lose  not  the  things  ye  have  wrought ;  but  that  ye  receive 
a  full  reward."  Great  need  there  is,  in  this  degenerate 
day  and  place,  for  ministers  and  people  to  look  to  themselves. 

Monday,  April  2.  I  visited  a  local  preacher,  and  gave  him 
a  plain  and  patient  talk  upon  slavery. 

Tuesday,  3.  I  attended  a  sermon  and  sacrament  at  brother 
Pclham's. 

Wednesday,  4.  Rode  fifteen  miles  to  brother  Saunders's. 

Thursday,  5.  Attended  a  sermon  and  sacrament,  and  gave 
a  short  exhortation  on  the  purity  of  the  communion.  We  rode 
fifteen  miles  after  meeting  to  brother  Drumgoold's ;  rested 
Friday.  Saturday  we  rode  eight  miles  to  brother  Owens's : 
brother  Whatcoat  gave  us  an  excellent  discourse,  on,  "  He  shall 
feed  his  flock  like  a  shepherd :"  we  had  two  exhortations ; 
mine  was  feeble.  We  had  a  meeting  with  the  local  preachers. 
I  returned  to  brother  Drumgoold's  the  same  day.  I  feel  that 
a  little  application  to  thought  and  bodily  exercise  is  too  much 
for  me. 

Saturday,  *7.  I  was  once  more  privileged  to  sit  in  a  seri- 
ous assembly,  at  Edward  Drumgoold's  chapel :  I  also  ascend- 
ed the  sacred  stand  after  brother  Whatcoat  had  given  us  a 
very  plain,  valuable,  and  useful  sermon,  properly  heard, 
upon  Acts  xiv,  38-41.  I  ventured  to  give  a  gloss  upon 
Acts  ii,  40. 


316 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Apr.,  1798. 


Sabbath,  8.  The  last  week  was  memorable  for  a  prodigious 
falling  of  rain  from  Monday  to  Saturday.  I  rode  with  great 
weakness  to  my  dear  brother  Seward's,  seventeen  miles,  and 
on  Saturday  to  Salem,  for  conference.  Sabbath  we  had  an 
open  time. 

Monday,  9.  We  began  conference,  and  ended  on  Wednes- 
day evening :  we  had  three  public  days.  The  peace  and 
union  of  the  conference  was  apparently  great :  I  was  assisted 
to  attend. 

Thursday,  12.  Rode  twenty-five  miles;  the  roads  very 
deep  and  much  broken ;  we  stopped  at  brother  Paup's.  I 
am  but  feeble  still,  and  cannot  stand  labour  as  in  past  days. 
I  have  travelled  since  I  left  brother  Drumgoold's  sixty-five 
miles. 

Friday,  13.  We  came  the  road  to  Harper's  bridge,  over 
Nottaway  River,  fifteen  miles,  to  brother  Robinson's  in  Din- 
widdie  county :  this  being  a  by-way  the  path  was  smooth.  I 
have  entered  upon  a  tour  of  two  thousand  miles  before  I  may 
probably  see  this  part  of  the  land  again.  0  !  can  I  perform 
such  a  toil  ?  Weakness  of  body  maketh  me  feel  great  heavi- 
ness of  mind.  I  must  think,  speak,  write,  and  preach  a  little ; 
or  I  may  as  well  give  up  my  station. 

Saturday,  14.  We  rode  to  Henry  Reese's ;  we  have  proper 
March  weather  in  April. 

Sabbath,  15.  I  attempted  a  feeble  discourse  on  2  Peter 
iii,  11  :  "Seeing  then  that  all  these  things  shall  be  dissolved, 
what  manner  of  persons  ought  ye  to  be  in  all  holy  conversa- 
tion and  godliness."  We  had  a  large  congregation :  our 
brethren,  Dyer,  White,  and  Roper,  were  ordained  deacons. 
I  appointed  my  dear  aged  and  faithful  brother  Whatcoat  to 
visit  the  four  districts  belonging  to  the  Virginia  conference, 
and  wrote  my  apology  as  not  being  able  to  ride  on  horseback 
as  heretofore.  Notwithstanding  my  bowels  were  afflicted 
and  much  affected,  we  left  brother  Henry  Reese's,  and  rode 
through  dust  and  deep  cut  roads  thirty  miles  to  Petersburg. 
I  endeavoured  to  commune  with  God,  but  I  had  great  sink- 
ings of  heart. 


May,  1798.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


311 


Monday,  16.  I  preached  at  Petersburg  very  feebly  on 
2  Peter  iii,  17,  18. 

Tuesday,  1 1 .  There  was  a  severe  frost.  We  then  rode  to 
Richmond  :  I  was  very  unwell.  I  went  to  the  court-house 
and  made  my  apology  for  inability. 

Wednesday,  18.  Being  so  unwell  and  crowded  with  com- 
pany, I  found  it  best  once  more  to  try  for  Baltimore :  we 
came  only  forty  miles  to  Lyon's,  in  Caroline  county. 

Thursday,  19.  We  had  a  gentle  ride  to  Todd's  tavern. 

Friday,  20.  We  crossed  the  new  bridge  at  Falmouth,  and 
came  to  Stafford  court-house  to  dine,  and  thence  to  Ward's 
at  night — thirty-five  miles. 

Saturday,  21.  We  came  to  Colchester  to  dine,  and  to 
William  Adams's  at  night,  thirty  miles.  The  roads  were 
nearly  as  bad  as  in  winter,  and  amazingly  ploughed  up  with 
frost  and  using.  The  prospects  for  small  grain  are  bad.  We 
met  with  a  powerful  storm,  but  my  carriage  kept  me  dry, 
and  my  cloak  defended  brother  George  from  damage.  This 
has  been  a  changeable  da)- ;  heat,  wind,  rain,  and  the  vast 
fatigue  of  bad  roads,  deep  gullies,  heavy  mire,  roots,  and 
hills,  bore  hard  upon  me.  I  heard  of  brother  Watters's 
preacliing  at  the  Fall  church,  a  faithful  funeral  sermon. 

Maryland. — Monday,  23.  We  reached  Turner's,  and  made 
a  rapid  ride  to  the  city  of  Baltimore.  I  visited  until  the 
Sabbath,  April  29.  They  would  publish  for  me  at  Old-Town 
meeting-house.  I  made  an  attempt  on  Psalm  cxxxii,  9 : 
"  Let  thy  priests  be  clothed  with  righteousness,  and  let  thy 
saints  shout  for  joy."  I  went  to  the  Point  and  heard  a  ser- 
mon on  "  Speak  evil  of  no  man."  I  gave  a  short  exhorta- 
tion, and  came  home  mucli  more  comfortable  than  I  expected. 
Our  beautiful  house  is  not  ready  yet.  I  fear,  I  tremble  in 
imagination,  lest  it  should  have  more  temporal  than  spiritual 
glory. 

Wednesday,  May  2.  Our  conference  began :  it  was  half- 
yearly,  to  bring  on  an  equality  by  the  change  from  fall  to 
spring.  We  had  to  correct  the  many  offences  given  at  many 
conferences  to  one  particular  man  !    I  pleased  myself  with  the 


378 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1798. 


idea  that  I  was  out  of  the  quarrel :  but  no  !  I  was  deeper  in 
than  ever,  and  never  was  wounded  in  so  deep  a  manner.  It 
was  as  much  as  I  could  bear.    I  cannot  stand  such  strokes. 

Sabbath,  6.  We  opened  the  new  house.  Brothers  Lee, 
Bruce,  and  Forest  preached.  Monday  and  Tuesday  I  visited 
brother  Willis. 

Wednesday,  9.  I  attended  the  public  fast.  My  subject 
was  :  "  So  the  Lord  was  entreated  for  the  land."  I  observ- 
ed :  I.  That  there  were  special  times  and  seasons  in  which  it 
becomes  our  duty,  in  a  most  special  manner,  to  entreat  the 
Lord  for  the  Church  and  the  land.  II.  Who  they  are  who 
ought  to  be  assembled — every  order,  the  elders  and  people  at 
large  ;  sanctified — that  is,  set  apart  from  labour  and  common 
service — the  bride  and  bridegroom,  the  children,  the  infant 
offspring.  III.  Who  shall  intercede — the  priests,  the  minis- 
ters of  the  Lord :  again,  if  my  people  which  are  called  by 
my  name  shall  humble  themselves.  IV.  The  special  seasons — 
calamities  threatened  by  God  or  man,  feared  or  felt,  such  as 
sword,  famine,  or  pestilence.  V.  How  we  should  entreat  the 
Lord — with  fasting,  prayer,  reading,  and  preaching  the  word 
of  God  ;  confessing  our  sins  and  sorrows,  and  acknowledging 
his  mercies.  The  calamities  of  the  Church  :  idolatry,  division, 
superstition,  and  backsliding.  VI.  The  happy  consequences 
of  God's  being  entreated — he  heareth  and  answereth,  in  tem- 
poral, and  spiritual,  and  in  eternal  blessings. 

Sunday,  13.  I  had  to  go  upon  my  watch-tower.  My  sub- 
ject in  our  temple  was  1  Kings  ix,  6-9.  It  was  observed  on 
the  first  head  of  the  discourse,  What  the  pious  Israelites  had 
professed,  experienced,  and  practised,  namely,  the  knowledge, 
worship,  ordinances,  and  service  of  the  true  and  glorious  Je- 
hovah— they  and  their  godly  children  had  an  experience  of 
convicting,  converting,  and  sanctifying  grace  through  a  pro- 
mised Messiah  ;  and  had  pardon  of  sin,  and  peace  with  God. 
Israelites  indeed — enjoying  the  love  of  God,  and  walking  in 
loving,  living  obedience  to  all  the  known  commandments  of 
God.  Secondly,  How  they  might  partially  return  from  fol- 
lowing the  Lord :  and,  again,  how  they  might  wholly  depart 


May,  1798.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


379 


from  God.  Thirdly,  The  dreadful  consequences.  In  this  dis- 
course the  parallel  was  drawn,  and  a  close  application  made, 
to  the  rising  generation.  Some  sentiments  were  expressed 
upon  the  burning  of  the  former  house  ;  the  probabilities  of 
the  latter  house  also  being  destroyed,  unless  defended  by  the 
Almighty.  At  the  Point  I  spoke  on  the  epistle  to  the  angel 
of  the  Church  of  Pergamos.  I  was  thankful  that  ray  strength 
was  so  great.  Our  congregations  were  large  and  seriously 
attentive. 

Saturday,  19.  We  rode  to  Perry  Hall,  and  continued  there 
until  the  twenty-sixth  of  the  same  month.  I  was  not  em- 
ployed. Brothers  Bruce  and  Harper  attending  me,  we  read 
over  my  transcribed  numbers  of  the  Journal.  A  situation  so 
healthy  and  agreeable  had  a  good  influence  upon  my  body 
and  mind  ;  and  the  kindness  and  company  of  the  elders  of 
this  house  were  charming  and  cheering. 

Wednesday,  23.  We  rode  about  twenty  miles  to  Deer 
Creek.  I  was  pleased  to  find  here  mother  Watters,  aged 
ninety  ;  her  son  Henry,  sixty  ;  and  brother  Billy  Watters  and 
his  wife  from  Virginia.  But,  0,  how  many  are  dead  !  And 
some  have  fled  to  the  woods,  and  some  gone  back  to  the 
world.  The  society  is  all  gone  that  wTe  had  formed  here 
more  than  twenty  years  back.  A  most  serious  aspect  in 
sight — the  fly  hath  eaten  up  the  grain  of  the  fields.  My  ve- 
getable diet  hath  its  salutary  influence  upon  my  system,  much 
more  so  than  medicine.  Could  I  rest  this  summer,  there 
would  be  hope  of  my  health  ;  but  I  must  move  and  live  upon 
mercy,  providence,  and  grace.  Poor  Deer  Creek !  the 
preachers  have  left  the  place  for  want  of  hearers  ;  but  I  had 
many — and  an  opening  on  Romans  viii,  26.  I  saw  a  few  who 
had  followed  the  Lord  more  than  twenty  years  ago  ;  they 
have  halted — but  I  trust  they  will  set  out  anew.  I  felt  life, 
and  some  enlargement  upon  it.    It  was  a  comfortable  day. 

Monday,  28.  I  rested  on  account  of  rain. 

Tuesday,  29.  We  came  to  North  East.  Wednesday,  we 
were  at  Hersay's.  Thursday,  we  came  to  Wilmington,  Dela- 
ware. 


380 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [June,  1798. 


Friday,  June  1.  I  preached  on  Luke  xxi,  34-36.  Satur- 
day, we  rode  to  Philadelphia. 

Pennsylvania. — Sunday.  I  enlarged  on  Galatians  ii,  20. 
It  was  observed,  That  Christ  crucified  was  the  grand  subject ; 
next,  in  continuance,  the  being  crucified  with  Christ.  Secondly, 
"  I  live  ;  yet  not  I,  but  Christ  liveth  in  me"— in  communicated 
grace  and  life,  as  ministers  and  Christians  :  to  live  by  faith,  as 
well  as  to  be  saved  by  faith.  Loved  me,  is  the  feeling  expe- 
rience of  gracious  souls.  I  received  the  probable  news  of  the 
near  approach  to,  or  death  of  my  father.  I  wrote  several  let- 
ters ;  and  feel  abundantly  better  in  my  body. 

Our  conference  began  on  Tuesday,  and  we  were  closely 
confined  until  Saturday. 

Sabbath,  10.  I  preached  on  Matt,  xxiv,  45-47. 

We  had  close  work,  but  good  tempers  abounded,  and  just 
measures  were  pursued.  I  made  an  attempt  to  ride  to  Ger- 
mantown,  but  returned ;  and  it  was  well  I  did,  for  I  had  no 
sooner  discharged  the  fragments  of  the  conference  business, 
and  the  stationing  of  the  preachers,  than  the  affairs  of  the 
society  came  in  sight  respecting  the  city.  I  have  my  difficul- 
ties with  the  government  of  the  preachers ;  but  I  have  some 
trouble  with  the  city  societies — they  wish  to  have  the  con- 
nexion drafted,  and  some  of  the  most  acceptable  preachers  to 
serve  them.  I  made  all  haste  to  leave  the  city,  but  not  until 
I  had  met  the  trustees  of  the  church. 

Monday,  11,  was  not  an  agreeable  morning  :  we  had  some 
rain. 

I  had  a  meeting  with  the  trustees.  It  was  granted  we 
should  raise  a  fund,  by  subscription,  to  finish  the  meeting- 
house in  Fourth-street. 

New-Jersey. — I  then  came  on  to  Burlington,  where  preach- 
ing being  appointed  for  me,  I  ventured  out  at  eight  o'clock 
in  the  evening,  that  my  commission  might  not  totally  expire 
in  this  place.  My  subject  was  Psalm  xxxvii,  3.  I  had  an 
opening  on  the  text,  and  some  consolation  in  my  own  mind. 

Tuesday,  12.  We  came  to  Crosswicks  :  there  were  very  few 
at  four  o'clock ;  as  it  was  thought  it  would  be  most  agreeable 


June,  1*798.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


381 


for  me  to  preach,  I  made  choice  of  Psalm  xxvii,  6,  7  ;  my  state 
of  mind  was  serene.  Universal  nature  is  beautiful  at  this  sea- 
son. I  feel  the  want  of  a  fervent,  constant,  holy  flame,  such 
as  has  been  found  in  the  hearts  of  martyred  saints  and  favoured 
souls. 

Wednesday,  13.  We  came  to  Hutchinson's  ;  and  on  Thurs- 
day, to  Brunswick;  where  I  bore  my  feeble  testimony,  and 
drew  up  a  subscription  for  the  purchase  of  a  house  for  divine 
worship.  On  Friday,  we  came  to  Elizabethtown ;  and  on 
Saturday,  16th,  to  New- York :  here  I  received  the  serious  con- 
firmation of  the  death  of  my  father,  aged  eighty-four  or  eighty- 
five. 

New- York. — Sunday,  17.  I  preached  in  the  new  church 
on  Eccles.  i,  1.  At  the  old  church,  in  John-street,  my  text 
was  1  Pet.  iv,  10 :  "As  good  stewards  of  the  manifold  grace 
of  God."  .1  now  feel  myself  an  orphan  with  respect  to  my 
father ;  wounded  memory  recalls  to  mind  what  took  place 
when  I  parted  with  him,  nearly  twenty-seven  years  next  Sep- 
tember ;  from  a  man  that  seldom,  if  ever,  I  saw  weep — but 
when  I  came  to  America,  overwhelmed  with  tears,  wnth  grief,  he 
cried  out,  "  I  shall  never  see  him  again  !"  thus  by  prophecy 
or  by  Providence,  he  hath  spoken  what  is  fulfilled.  For 
about  thirty-nine  years  my  father  hath  had  the  Gospel  preach- 
ed in  his  house.  The  particulars  of  his  death  are  not  yet 
come  to  hand.  I  employed  the  remaining  part  of  this  week 
in  visiting,  reading,  writing,  attending  preaching  and  love-feast. 
Brothers  Lee  and  Wells  were  officiating  ministers ;  myself  a 
hearer. 

Sunday,  24.  I  preached  in  John-street  church,  from  Job 
xvii,  9 :  "  The  righteous  also  shall  hold  on  his  way ;  and  he 
that  hath  clean  hands  shall  be  stronger  and  stronger."  After 
tracing  the  origin  of  the  land  of  Uz,  as  to  be  seen  in  the  gene- 
alogy of  Nahor,  his  son  Huz  ;  taking  H  as  a  prefix  in  He- 
brew— as  an  article,  the  Uz.  In  the  genealogy  of  Esau  we  find 
Job's  friends  as  princes  and  pious  philosophers.  This  is  the 
presumption  ;  Jobab  the  father  of  Job,  or  Job  ab,  i.  c.  father 
of  grief,  according  to  the  Hebrew  word.    It  was  observed, 


:i,82 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [July,  1798. 


from  whom  these  words  came,  and  under  what  great  afflic- 
tions— 

I.  The  difficulties  and  doubts  of  the  righteous  as  being 
against  their  holding  on  their  way. 

II.  Their  privileges  and  promises. 

III.  Clean  hands,  clean  hearts ;  by  renouncing  oppression 
of  all  kinds,  civil,  sacred,  and  domestic — every  act  of  injustice, 
all  bribery,  all  sinful  practices ;  these  shall  "  add  strength  to 
strength :"  we  may  see  this  exemplified  in  the  Old  and  New 
Testament  saints. 

At  the  Bowery  church  I  preached  on  the  epistle  to  the 
angel  or  bishop  of  Smyrna.  On  Monday  I  met  the  married 
sisters  in  the  old  church. 

Tuesday,  26.  I  heard  brother  Nicholls  preach  in  the  new 
church.  I  read  a  little,  write  a  few  letters,  and  visit  daily : 
life  appears  to  be  but  poorly  spent  with  me.  I  met  the  mar- 
ried women  in  the  new  church. 

Sunday,  July  1.  At  the  old  church  I  preached  from  Phil, 
iii,  18-20.  At  the  north  church,  in  the  afternoon,  on  1  Cor. 
ix,  2  :  I  was  much  heated  and  rather  hurried  in  preaching. 
The  weather  is  excessively  warm — the  children  are  dying,  and 
probably  so  will  the  parents  unless  God  send  rain.  I  live 
wholly  upon  vegetables,  and  wear  flannel. 

Mr.  O'Kclly  hath  now  published  to  the  world  what  he  hath 
been  telling  to  his  disciples  for  years.  Mr.  Hammett  was 
moderate ;  Glendenning  not  very  severe ;  but  James  hath 
turned  the  but-end  of  his  whip,  and  is  unanswerably  abusive : 
the  Lord  judge  between  us !  and  he  certainly  will  in  that  day 
of  days. 

Wednesday,  4.  This  day  we  had  sermons  in  all  the  churches 
of  the  Methodists.  I  had  a  meeting  with  the  officiary  at  the 
Bowery  church  in  the  afternoon,  and  gave  them  a  sermon 
upon  1  Peter  v,  2.  Sunday  I  preached  at  Brooktyn,  on 
1  Peter  iv,  17;  and  in  the  afternoon  at  the  old  church  on 
Rev.  iii,  1-5. 

Monday,  9.  We  came  to  Bcrian's,  at  Kingsbridge,  and  on 
Tuesday  to  my  home  at  the  widow  Sherwood's.    We  have  a 


Julv,  1798.1 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


383 


wry  neatly  built  house  here ;  but  I  was  so  ill  that  Jesse 
Lee  and  Joshua  Wells  had  to  fill  my  place.  Mr.  Phillips,  of 
Birmingham,  writes  thus  of  my  father — "  He  kept  his  room 
six  weeks  previous  to  his  death  ;  the  first  month  of  the  time 
he  ate  nothing  but  a  little  biscuit,  and  the  last  fortnight  he 
took  nothing  but  a  little  spirits  and  water — he  died  very 
happy."  My  subject  at  Brooklyn  was,  "  The  time  is  come 
that  judgment  must  begin  at  the  house  of  God."  In  tempta- 
tion, persecution,  discipline,  heresy,  and  schism,  the  general 
judgment  will  begin  at  the  house  of  God.  What  shall  the 
end  be  of  them  that  hear,  but  will  not  obey  the  Gospel  of 
God?  They  shall  be  judged  by  the  Gospel  as  having, 
by  their  disobedience,  forfeited  every  blessing,  and  as  having 
brought  upon  themselves  every  curse  the  Gospel  threatens — 
they  arc  as  completely  damned  by  this  disobedience,  as  the 
obedient  souls  are  everlastingly  saved  by  the  grace  of  God. 

Wednesday,  1 1 .  We  had  to  keep  in  doors  on  account  of 
rain,  and  could  not  attend  at  White  Plains. 

Thursday,  12.  We  were  at  our  kind  brother  Banks's,  upon 
the  banks  of  Byram  River,  near  the  line  between  Connecticut 
and  the  State  of  New- York :  my  congregation  was  large,  and 
seriously  attentive  :  my  subject  was  Luke  xix,  10. 

Friday,  13.  We  rode  over  the  rocks  and  hills  to  Stamford. 
We  had  a  comfortable  rain  that  cooled  the  air.  I  find  I  can- 
not preach  often — I  must  spare  myself  or  destroy  myself. 

Connecticut. — Saturday,  14.  We  rode  to  Joseph  Hall's, 
Poquonock,  and  made  it  twenty-eight  or  thirty  miles. 

Sunday,  15.  I  attended  the  congregation  at  Wheeler's,  and 
feebly  administered  the  word  from  Acts  iv,  12.  I  had  a  de- 
sire to  hear  brother  Jocelin  in  the  afternoon ;  but  he  ad- 
dressed me,  after  his  reading,  singing,  and  prayer,  desiring 
me  to  preach  :  my  subject  was  Phil,  ii,  12,  13.  I  applied  the 
text  to  believers,  seekers,  and  sinners. 

Monday,  16.  I  rode  sixteen  miles  to  New-Haven. 

Tuesday,  17.  We  took  our  departure  from  New-Haven, 
and  came  through  North  Brandford  to  Durham,  twenty  miles. 
The  day  was  gloomy,  and  excessively  warm  at  times.  We 


384 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [July,  1798. 


crossed  the  rocks  and  hills  to  Hadam,  and  rode  after  sunset, 
for  nine  or  ten  miles,  a  most  desperate  road :  this  put  my 
strength,  courage,  and  skill  to  trial,  with  all  my  patience,  and 
every  spring,  and  every  part  of  the  frame  of  my  carriage ; 
but  we  came  safe  to  father  Wilcox's,  where  we  had  many 
tokens  of  love  shown  us,  to  make  rest  comfortable. 
Wednesday,  18.  It  rained. 

Thursday,  19.  At  four  o'clock,  brother  Lee  gave  a  warm, 
encouraging  sermon,  from  1  Cor.  xv,  58.  At  the  new  meet- 
ing-house, (properly  West  Hadam,)  where  the  Methodists  arc 
upon  free  principles,  I  added  a  few  words ;  and  then  began 
our  march  to  New-London.  We  crossed  Connecticut  river 
at  Chapman's  ferry :  we  came  on  without  touching  the  ground 
sometimes,  as  the  carriage  would  frequently  jump  from  rock 
to  rock.  After  riding  about  thirty-two  miles,  we  reached 
New-London  at  eight  o'clock.  James  O'Kelly  hath  told  a 
tale  of  me  which  I  think  it  my  duty  to  tell  better.  He 
writes,  "  Francis  ordered  the  preachers  to  entitle  him  bishop, 
in  directing  their  letters."  The  secret  and  truth  of  the  matter 
was  this :  the  preachers  having  had  great  difficulties  about 
the  appellation  of  the  Rev.  or  Mr.,  that  is,  to  call  a  man  by 
one  of  the  Divine  appellations,  supposing  M r.  to  be  an  abbre- 
viation of  Master,  ("  call  no  man  master  upon  earth,")  it  was 
talked  over  in  the  yearly  conference,  for  then  we  had  no  Gen- 
eral Conference  established.  So  we  concluded  that  it  would 
be  by  far  the  best  to  give  each  man  his  official  title  ;  as  deacon, 
elder,  and  bishop :  to  this  the  majority  agreed.  James 
O'Kelly  giveth  all  the  good,  the  bad,  and  middling  of  all  the 
order  of  our  Church  to  me.  What  can  be  the  cause  of  all 
this  ill  treatment  which  I  receive  from  him  ?  Was  it  because 
I  did  not,  I  could  not  settle  him  for  life  in  the  south  district 
of  Virginia  ?  Is  this  his  gratitude  ?  He  was  in  this  district  for 
ten  years,  part  of  the  time  in  the  very  best  circuits  in  the  dis- 
trict, and  then  in  the  district  as  presiding  elder ;  and  there 
was  no  peace  with  James,  until  Doctor  Coke  took  the  matter 
out  of  my  hands,  after  we  had  agreed  to  hold  a  General  Con- 
ference to  settle  the  dispute :  and  behold,  when  the  General 


July,  1798.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


385 


Conference,  by  a  majority,  (which  he  called  for,)  went  against 
him,  he  treated  the  General  Conference  with  as  much  con- 
tempt almost  as  he  had  treated  me ;  only  I  am  the  grand 
but  of  all  his  spleen. 

Sunday,  22.  I  made  a  feeble  attempt  at  the  court-house, 
on  2  Peter  iii,  17,  18.  I  was  greatly  assisted  in  mind  and 
body.    In  the  afternoon  I  preached  on  Matt,  viii,  36-38. 

At  the  foundation  of  the  new  meeting-house,  the  frame  of 
which  was  raised  on  Monday,  brother  Lee  preached.  I  was 
pleased  by  moving  along  on  a  good  road,  but  through  an  ex- 
ceedingly warm  day,  fifteen  miles  to  Norwich.  The  loss  of 
rest  last  evening  made  the  heat  of  this  day  more  burdensome 
to  my  poor  body.  There  is  a  growth  of  religion  in  this  cir- 
cuit ;  but  it  is  ploughing  among  rocks  and  stone-walls  in  a 
twofold  sense.  The  society  came  together,  and  after  myself 
and  elder  Lee  had  exhorted,  we  had  a  speaking  and  living 
time  among  the  brethren  and  sisters. 

Tuesday,  24.  We  rode  through  heat  and  over  rocks  twelve 
miles  to  brother  Lyon's,  at  Canterbury  ;  this  made  me  feel 
like  Jonah.  I  was  much  outdone,  having  slept  but  little  for 
two  nights  :  but  I  was  compensated  for  all  in  finding  the  life 
of  religion  amongst  this  people.  Brother  Lyon  is  the  son  of 
a  godly  father,  who  was  a  Baptist  minister  ;  he  was  imprisoned 
for  truth  and  religious  liberty  ;  the  aged  man  lived  until  we 
came  :  his  wife  is  yet  living  and  loving  God.  The  father  was 
awakened  by  Mr.  Whitefield's  ministry  :  the  son  is  a  man  of 
piety  and  property. 

Rhode  Island. —  Wednesday,  25.  We  passed  Plainfield  and 
Sterling,  and  came  to  Coventry,  in  the  State  of  Rhode  Island. 
They  have  established  turnpikes  upon  the  way  to  Providence, 
and  greatly  reformed  the  road  :  but  I  had  to  turn  out  to 
search  for  my  friends,  and  the  souls  of  my  charge :  we  com- 
puted it  twenty-five  miles  to  General  Lippelt's — such  work  as 
I  had  is  not  easily  told :  we  came  in  about  eight  o'clock. 
Thursday,  at  General  Lippelt's,  I  preached  on  1  John  i,  7,8. 
I  rested  on  Friday  and  Saturday,  and  on  Sabbath  day  my 
subject  was  Heb,  ii,  2.     Monday,  rode  twenty-two  miles 

Vol.  II.— 17 


886 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Aug.,  1798. 


through  heat  to  Wan-en  :  we  lodged  at  father  Martin  Luther's. 
Here  John  Hills,  from  Lewistown,  Delaware,  liveth — but  he 
is  no  Methodist ;  who  would  have  thought  this  once  ?  Mr. 
Wilson's  book  was  read  to  me  by  brother  Lee,  particularly 
those  parts  in  which  he  finds  fault  with  the  Methodists.  It 
appears  to  be  the  language  of  two  or  three  men  ;  who  they 
are  I  know  not :  but  be  they  who  they  may,  they  are  mild 
without  merit ;  and  in  some  things  are  very  simple,  if  not 
silly,  about  our  drinking  water.  But  why,  Mr.  Age  of  Reason, 
whoever  you  are,  will  you  find  fault  with  the  question,  "  Have 
you  always  a  Bible  about  you  ?"  Poor  divinity,  and  yet 
poorer  spite. 

Tuesday,  31.  We  came  upon  Rhode  Island  ;  stopped  at 
Matthew  Cook's,  dined,  and  then  came  to  our  little  meeting- 
house, and  had  a  good  season  on  Heb.  x,  38,  39.  This  island 
is  most  beautiful  in  its  situation  and  cultivation  ;  the  neat 
stone  square  walls,  level  fields  of  grass,  corn,  and  barley, 
sloping  to  the  water,  are  very  pleasing  to  the  eye  :  salt  water 
prospects  are  most  delightful.  Upon  the  summits  of  the 
island  you  may  see  from  water  to  water.  Here  fruit-trees, 
fish,  and  shell-fish  abound.  The  Friends'  meeting-house  is 
large,  and  the  settlement  extensive  ;  and  if  the  Baptists,  Mo- 
ravians, Episcopalians,  Friends,  and  Methodists,  have  any 
religion,  there  must  be  some  good  people  here.  Rhode  Island 
is  by  far  the  most  beautiful  island  I  have  seen.  I  have  been 
very  low,  and  weak,  and  feverish  of  late :  I  can  hardly 
write,  think,  read,  preach,  ride,  or  talk  to  purpose.  It  is 
a  little  trying  to  be  with  people  who  are  healthy,  active, 
and  talkative,  when  you  cannot  bear  a  cheerful  part  with 
them. 

Thursday,  August  2.  I  returned  to  the  north-east  end  of 
the  island,  where  we  have  a  small  meeting-house,  and  some 
gracious  souls.  Brother  Lee  preached  last  evening  at  New- 
port. As  I  was  unwell,  I  gave  my  services  to  brother  Hall's 
family,  where  I  was  entertained  with  every  mark  of  affection  : 
may  they,  their  own  and  adopted  children,  be  numbered  with 
the  saints  !    I  came  away  in  weakness  of  body,  but  strength 


Aug.,  1798.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


387 


of  soul,  to  the  house  at  the  ferry  which  we  came  to  when  we 
first  entered  upon  the  island. 

Friday,  3.  We  preached  at  Bristol ;  my  subject  was,  Luke 
xviii,  7.  It  was  to  me  a  serious,  comfortable  time  :  what  but 
the  miglrty  power  of  God  and  the  imceasing  cries  of  his  peo- 
ple can  help  us  here  ? 

Saturday,  4.  We  came  through  Warren,  Swansey,  Somer- 
set, Dighton,  and  Taunton,  thirty-two  miles  :  the  day  was 
excessively  warm  ;  and  O  !  rocks,  hills,  and  stones  !  I  was 
greatly  outdone  :  no  price  can  pay — there  is  no  purchase  for 
this  day's  hue  but  souls.  We  frequently  spend  a  dollar  per 
day  to  feed  ourselves  and  horses :  I  never  received,  as  I  re- 
collect, any  personal  beneficence,  no,  not  a  farthing,  in  New- 
England  ;  and  perhaps  never  shall,  unless  I  should  be  totally 
out  of  cash. 

Massachusetts. — Sunday,  5.  I  was  very  unwell  in  my 
viscera.  I  attempted  to  preach  on  Rom.  x,  1-3.  I  am  under 
deep  dejection  of  mind  at  times,  and  distressed  above  mea- 
sure with  the  people — they  appear  to  have  so  little  genuine 
religion.  We  hear  of  a  serious  mortal  fever  prevailing  in 
Boston :  it  is  what  I  have  feared  would  be  the  visitation  of 
this  capital  town  as  in  other  cities ;  here  also  are  theatres, 
sinners,  blind  priests,  and  backsliding,  formal  people,  and 
multitudes  who  are  gospel-hardened.  We  came  to  E  iston ; 
here  we  have  a  new  house  built.  I  felt  exceedingly  weak 
after  riding  ten  miles  ;  the  evening  was  very  warm  ;  I,  how- 
ever, gave  them  a  discourse  on  2  Tim.  ii,  19,  and  passed  the 
night  in  some  bodily  distress. 

Tuesday,  7.  I  rode  twenty-two  miles  through  heat  and 
hunger  to  Boston  :  here  I  spent  one  night,  very  unwell  in 
body,  and  with  pains  and  pleasures  of  mind,  upon  account  of 
the  preachers  and  people. 

Wednesday,  8.  I  was  advised  to  retire  a  few  days  to  Wal- 
tham.  There  is  affliction  in  Boston — the  malignant  fever. 
But  who  can  tell  the  sick  that  are  in  the  second  or  third  house 
from  his  own,  in  a  town  or  city  where  it  is  needful  to  observe 
secrecy  lest  people  should  be  frightened  away  from  their 


388 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Aug.,  1798. 


homes,  or  the  country  people  from  bringing  food  ?  How  many 
may  be  buried  in  the  night,  without  any  tolling  of  bells  or 
funeral  solemnity,  thrown  into  a  coarse  coffin,  or  a  tar  sheet ! 

0  !  a  solitary  house,  and  social  family ;  a  comfortable  table, 
pure  air,  and  good  water,  are  blessings  at  Waltham.  There 
is  a  rumour  of  the  blood-shedding  in  Ireland.  0  the  trade 
and  plague  of  war !  I  pity  the  old  world  ;  I  fear  for  the 
new — shall  we  be  altogether  unpunished  ?  My  calculation  is, 
that  we  have  ridden  three  hundred  and  thirty  miles  since  our 
departure  from  New- York. 

Thursday,  Friday,  Saturday,  and  Sunday.    At  Waltham. 

1  ventured  to  ride  four  miles,  and  preach  two  sermons — the 
first  on  Acts  ii,  17,  18  ;  and  the  second  from  Rom.  x,  1-3. 
I  was  much  enlarged,  and  had  clear  views,  and  saw  and  felt 
for  the  people. 

Monday,  13.  We  began  our  march  to  Lynn,  in  weakness 
of  body  and  distress  of  mind.  I  gave  a  discourse  late  in  the 
evening,  on  Heb.  iv,  9,  and  that  night  I  slept  but  little.  On 
Tuesday  we  began  our  journey  for  the  Province  of  Maine  : 
we  passed  through  Danvers,  Salem,  Beverly ;  thence  to  Hamil- 
ton, where  we  were  kindly  entertained  by  some  aged  people  : 
dined  and  hasted  along  through  Ipswich,  and  thence  to  New- 
buryport :  here  I  passed  in  sight  of  the  old  prophet,  dear 
Whitefield's  tomb,  under  the  Presbyterian  meeting-house. 
His  sermons  established  me  in  the  doctrines  of  the  Gospel 
more  than  anything  I  ever  heard  or  had  read  at  that  time  ; 
so  that  I  was  remarkably  prepared  to  meet  reproach  and  per- 
secution. We  crossed  Merrimac  River  and  bridge  :  and  came 
in  late  to  Mr.  Merrill's,  where  we  were  kindly  entertained. 
Here  we  were  let  into  the  secret  of  a  negotiation  with  a  con- 
gregation by  Mr.  Elias  Hull,  one  of  our  wonder-workers — I 
told  you  so — farewell. 

New-Hampshire. —  Wednesday,  15.  We  entered  properly 
into  New-Hampshire.  We  passed  Hampton  Falls,  where  the 
people  and  priests  were  about  installing  a  minister  into  the 
deceased  Dr.  Langdon's  congregation.  We  had  a  dripping 
morning  :  we,  however,  set  out  and  rode  about  twenty  miles 


Aug.,  1798.]        ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.. 


389 


to  Portsmouth :  there  is  a  fever  somewhat  malignant  and 
mortal  here.  This  is  a  well  fortified  town  against  the  Method- 
ists. Mr.  Hutchinson  and  daughter  received  us  with  great 
Christian  politeness :  being  exceedingly  outdone  with  heat 
and  labour,  I  was  easily  persuaded  to  tarry  until  morning. 
We  crossed  Piscataqua  River,  at  the  town  of  Portsmouth,  in 
a  flat-bottomed  boat.  I  am  so  weak  that  the  smallest  shock 
shakes  me.  At  Portsmouth  there  is  a  strong  tide,  and  this 
morning  we  had  a  heavy  fog,  so  that  we  could  scarcely  see 
the  tops  of  the  houses  on  the  other  side  of  the  river.  We 
came  through  Old- York,  father  Moodie's  parish,  of  whom 
many  tales  are  told ;  one  of  which  is  worth  telling  to  pos- 
terity— it  is,  that  the  only  salary  he  received  was  the  prayers 
of  his  people.  We  came  on  to  Wells,  and  were  kindly  enter- 
tained at  Mr.  Maxwell's.  I  was  restless-  through  the  night, 
and  sleepy  and  sick  through  the  next  day,  yet  we  rode  forty 
miles  to  Major  Illsley's,  near  Portland. 

District  of  Maine. — Friday,  17.  We  passed  New  Stroud- 
water,  named  probably  after  the  old  one  in  Gloucestershire,  in 
Old  England.  We  have  ridden  since  Monday  morning  about 
one  hundred  and  forty  miles  ;  the  roads  tolerable ;  the  wea- 
ther extremely  warm ;  and  we  are  amongst  strangers. 

Saturday,  18.  We  rode  five  miles  to  Presumscut  River, 
and  stopped  at  father  Baker's.  Sabbath-day,  I  preached  in 
the  barn,  on,  "  Now  is  the  accepted  time,  and  now  is  the  day 
of  salvation."  Mother  Baker  was  sick,  but  had  a  sure  confi- 
dence in  God.  Here  we  have  the  frame  of  a  good  meeting- 
house erected  upon  a  beautiful  spot. 

Monday,  20.  We  rode  to  Grey,  and  were  kindly  enter- 
tained at  Mr.  Ramsdell's.  I  preached  to  a  few  in  a  school- 
house,  on  Matt,  xxiv,  12,  13, — the  case  with  these  people,  if 
their  love  was  ever  warm. 

Tuesday,  21.  We  came  through  Gloucester  to  the  widow 
Roe's.  We  sat  under  a  shade  by  the  road-side,  and  read 
 's  acknowledgment  of  his  fall,  in  an  address  to  the  con- 
ference— so  candid  and  apparently  contrite  never  did  I  hear. 
My  subject  at  Roe's  was  Acts  ii,  21  ;  the  people  appeared 


390 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Aug.,  1798. 


careless  and  unfeeling.  In  the  evening  there  came  up  a  very 
heavy  gust  of  rain,  lightning,  and  thunder,  and  I  feared  for 
ourselves.  Next  morning  a  dead  ox  was  found  about  one 
hundred  yards  from  our  horses  in  the  same  field,  and  the  pre- 
sumption was  he  was  killed  by  lightning,  as  there  appeared 
to  be  one  particular  shock  directed  to  that  place.  0  Lord, 
thou  preservest  man  and  beast !  My  soul  was  mueh  en- 
gaged in  prayer. 

Wednesday,  22.  We  rode  through  the  woods  to  Amaris- 
coggin  River,  thence  to  Lewistown,  where  our  appointment 
for  preaching  had  been  made  at  two  o'clock,  and  another  at 
four  o'clock.  No  one  attending  at  two  o'clock,  we  came  on 
to  Monmouth. 

Thursday,  23.  I  was  at  home  at  brother  Fogg's.  He  and 
his  wife  are  pious  soids ;  such,  with  an  increase,  may  they 
live  and  die!  I  had  taken  cold  in  crossing  the  mountain, 
which  was  rocky  and  uneven.  I  preached  in  the  open  meet- 
ing-house to  a  congregation  of  people  that  heard  and  felt  the 
word.  My  subject  was  Eph.  vi,  13-18.  I  was  raised  a 
small  degree  above  my  feeble  self,  and  so  were  some  of  my 
hearers.  We  rode  that  evening  to  Hopkins's,  in  Winthrop, 
where  meeting  was  appointed  in  the  Congregational  house. 
As  the  day  was  damp,  and  myself  sick,  I  declined ;  and  bro- 
ther Lee  preached,  and  the  people  said  it  was  a  good  time.  I 
found  father  Bishop,  at  whose  house  we  stayed  ;  his  son  and 
wife  exceedingly  kind.  We  breakfasted  at  our  brother  Pres- 
cott's.  This  part  of  the  District  of  Maine  is  settled  with 
people  from  the  south  of  Massachusetts,  and  some  from  New- 
Hampshire. 

Saturday,  25.  We  had  to  beat  through  the  woods  be- 
tween Winthrop  and  Redfield.  which  are  as  bad  as  the  Alle- 
ghany mountain,  and  the  Shades  of  Death.  We  have  now 
laid  by  our  carriage  and  saddle,  to  wait  until  Wednesday 
next  for  conference  ;  the  first  of  the  kind  ever  held  in  these 
parts,  and  it  will  probably  draw  the  people  from  far  and  near. 

Wednesday,  29.  Ten  of  us  sat  in  conference.  Great  was 
our  union  and  freedom  of  speech  with  each  other. 


Sept.,  1798.]        ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


391 


Thursday,  30,  was  our  great  day  :  it  was  computed  that 
from  one  thousand  to  eighteen  hundred  souls  attended  public 
preaching  and  ordination.  The  Unfinished  temporary  state  of 
the  gallery  was  such,  that  the  plank  and  other  parts  would 
crack  and  break.  We  had  one  alarm  while  ordaining,  owing* 
to  the  people's  wish  to  gratify  their  curiosity ;  but  no  person 
was  killed  or  wounded.  My  subject  was  2  Cor.  iv,  1,2.  It 
was  observed  :  "  this  ministry,"  by  way  of  eminence  distin- 
guished from  the  law — the  ministry  of  the  Spirit  and  power, 
and  the  word  and  letter  of  the  gospel.  Secondly,  The  apos- 
tolical manner  of  using  the  ministry — renouncing  the  hidden 
things  of  dishonesty,  not  walking  in  craftiness,  nor  handling 
the  word  of  God  deceitfully :  not  seeking  either  worldly  ho- 
nour, ease,  or  profit ;  but  by  manifestation  of  the  truth  com- 
mending ourselves  to  every  man's  conscience  in  the  sight  of 
God — to  sinners  of  all  characters ;  to  seekers,  believers,  men 
of  tender  and  scrupulous  consciences.  Thirdly,  The  tempta- 
tions, labours,  and  sufferings  the  faithful  ministers  have  to 
meet  with  in  the  discharge  of  their  duties.  Fourthly,  The 
support  they  shall  have  by  the  mercy  and  power  of  God,  and 
fruit  of  their  labours.  Fifthly ;  We  faint  not.  A  person 
that  fainteth  loseth  all  action ;  is  pale  and  dispirited  :  it  is  a 
near  resemblance  of  death,  and  sometimes  terminates  in 
death.  Unhappy  the  man  who  is  dead  and  useless  in  the 
ministry  ! 

Weary  of  being  shut  up  in  one  house  for  some  days,  I 
came  in  the  afternoon  through  the  dreadful  swamp  to  Squire 
Prescott's,  at  Winthrop.  I  found  a  Congregational  priest 
there.  Early  in  the  morning  I  came  to  Monmouth  to  break- 
fast ;  dined  at  Lewistown,  and  lodged  at  the  widow  Roe's. 
The  next  day  (Saturday)  I  came  to  Grey  to  dinner;  thence 
to  Falmouth,  and  lodged  at  Major  Illsley's.  I  came  chiefly 
alone;  I  experienced  much  bodily  weakness:  my  triads  are 
great ;  the  roads  are  bad,  and  I  fear  the  families  are  little 
bettered  by  anything  I  could  say  or  do  for  them. 

Sunday,  September  2.  I  am  surprisingly  supported,  and 
am  gaining  strength,  notwithstanding  the  heat  of  the  sun  and 


392 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Sept.,  1798. 


most  desperate  roads  and  rocks.  We  have  come  nearly  sixty 
miles  in  two  days.  I  had  it  confirmed  that  the  ox  was  killed 
by  lightning,  which  was  found  dead  within  one  hundred 
yards  of  our  horses.  I  went  to  Portland,  unexpectedly,  upon 
the  Sabbath-day.  I  preached  in  the  widow  Byn ton's  back 
room  to  about  twenty -five  persons,  chiefly  women.  My  sub- 
ject was  2  Peter  ii,  9.  In  the  afternoon  I  preached  to  about 
double  the  number,  on  Phil,  iii,  8.  I  returned  Sabbath  even- 
ing to  my  very  kind  friend's  house,  Major  Illsley's. 

Monday,  3.  We  came  off  in  haste,  and  rode  thirty-five 
miles  to  Wells.  We  lodged  with  Deacon  Clarke ;  a  most 
complete  house  of  entertainment. 

Tuesday.  We  rode  forty-seven  miles  to  Salisbury,  near 
Newburyport. 

New  Hampshire. — I  passed  Hampton  and  Hampton  Falls  ; 
at  the  latter  Mr.  Whitefield  preached  his  last  sermon,  and  pro- 
bably caught  the  cause  of  his  death.  I  came  over  Piscataqua 
bridge,  a  most  admirable  piece  of  architecture  ;  it  is  double, 
and  the  tollgate  and  tavern  stand  upon  the  island :  we  dined 
at  Greenland,  and  had  great  attention  paid  us.  The  fever  is 
breaking  out  again  in  Portsmouth,  and  it  is  awful  in  Philadel- 
phia; it  seemeth  as  if  the  Lord  would  humble  or  destroy 
that  city,  by  stroke  after  stroke,  until  they  acknowledge 
God.  Very  serious  appearances  of  this  fever  are  now  in 
New-York. 

Thursday,  6.  Came  from  Captain  Patake's  to  Lynn ; 
where  I  preached  on  Friday,  from  Galatians  v,  6-8. 

Massachusetts. — Saturday.  We  came  off  with  a  design  to 
call  at  Boston :  the  heat  was  excessive,  and  the  sun  met  me 
in  the  face,  so  that  I  was  almost  ready  to  faint  in  the  carriage  : 
I  changed  my  mind,  and  concluded  to  come  on  to  Waltham, 
and  spend  another  Sabbath.  I  missed  my  way  a  little,  but  came 
in  about  seven  o'clock,  riding  since  two  o'clock  twenty  miles. 

Sunday,  9.  I  attended  the  chapel  in  the  morning — my 
subject  was  1  Peter  ii,  9,  10 ;  and  in  the  afternoon,  at  five 
o'clock,  from  the  11th  and  12th  verses  of  the  same  chapter: 
many  attended. 


Sett.,  1798.J        ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


303 


Monday  and  Tuesday.  We  continued  at  Waltham. 

Wednesday,  12.  We  came  on  to  Weston,  where  I 
preached  in  the  new  house,  a  well  designed  building,  on 
•l  Cor.  xv,  58. 

Thursday,  13.  We  rode  twenty  miles,  the  way  stony  and 
dusty,  to  Mr.  Nicoll's,  at  Westborough :  here  five  preachers 
came  together.  With  hard  sighs  I  attempted  to  preach,  and 
was  most  remarkably  assisted  upon  Titus  ii,  11,  12. 

Friday,  14.  .We  rode  forty-one  miles  over  very  uneven 
roads;  my  horse  ran  away  with  me,  but  did  me  no  hurt. 
We  lodged  at  Mr.  Hubbard's,  at  Broomfield  :  I  was  surprised 
to  see  the  meeting  and  dwelling  houses  they  have  built  in  this 
place,  and  the  reforms  they  have  made  in  the  roads,  since  I 
came  up  through  this  part  of  the  state  seven  years  ago. 

Saturday,  15.  We  came  once  more  to  Silas  Bliss's,  at 
Wilbraham.  We  have  ridden  ninety  miles  in  two  days,  and  I 
would  rather  have  ridden  two  hundred  in  the  low  level  lands 
of  the  south  of  this  continent. 

Sabbath  day.  I  attended  at  Wilbraham  ;  my  subject  was 
1  Peter  ii,  1-4. 

Monday,  17.  We  came  to  Springfield  to  dine,  and  then 
rode  on,  through  excessive  heat  and  bad  roads,  sixteen  miles 
to-day. 

Tuesday,  18.  We  came  up  to  Granville,  sixteen  miles:  it 
was  well  that  I  had  help  over  the  rocks  and  mountains. 

Wednesday,  Thursday,  and  Friday.  We  sat  in  conference  ; 
about  fifty  preachers  of  different  descriptions  present:  ten 
were  admitted  on  probation.  We  had  many  weighty  and  de- 
liberate conversations  on  interesting  subjects,  in  much  plain- 
ness and  moderation.  Six  of  us  lodged  amongst  deacon 
Loyd's  kind  Congregational  people. 

Connecticut. — Saturday,  22.  We  began  our  flight  to  the 
White  Plains,  across  the  hills  and  along  most  dreadful  roads 
for  a  carriage :  we  came  to  Canaan,  about  thirty-six  miles, 
and  lodged  by  the  falls  of  Housatonick  river.  Its  source 
is  in  some  ponds  and  springs  N.  and  S.  W.  of  Pittsfield, 
Massachusetts,  and  running  through  the  heart  of  Connecticut, 


394 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1798. 


empties  into  Long  Island  Sound  at  Stratford :  it  is  the  second 
in  magnitude  to  that  which  gives  a  name  to  the  State. 

New- York. — Sabbath  day,  23.  We  came  on,  twelve  in 
company,  to  Dover,  in  the  State  of  New- York.  I  should* 
have  stopped  at  Sharon  meeting-house  had  we  not  expected 
a  meeting  at  four  o'clock  in  Dover.  We  made  this  Sabbath 
day's  joiu-ney  twenty-five  miles  ;  the  weather  was  very  warm, 
and  we  had  nothing  to  eat  from  seven  o'clock  in  the  morn- 
ing until  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  My  object  was  Heb. 
xii,  12-14. 

Monday,  24.  We  came  through  Dutchess  county,  near  the 
line  of  the  two  States,  and  down  the  waters  of  Croton  River. 
We  lodged  at  Webb's,  near  New  Salem.  We  reached  the 
Plains  in  about  thirty-six  miles,  and  came  in  about  sundown. 
Most  awful  times  in  Philadelphia  and  New- York — citizens 
flying  before  the  fever  as  if  it  were  the  sword  !  I  now  wait 
the  providence  of  God  to  know  which  way  to  go. 

Wednesday,  20.  Came  to  my  former  lodging,  where  I  lay 
sick  last  year :  it  is  still  like  a  home. 

Thursday,  27.  We  attempted  to  cross  North  River  at  Wool- 
sey's  ferry,  but  the  wind  blew  too  strong.  We  visited  a  kind 
family,  and  returned  to  the  widow  Sherwood's.  We  have 
spent  a  day,  and  ridden  sixteen  miles,  and  are  now  where  we 
began.  Friday  we  rode  twenty  miles  and  crossed  at  Bull's 
Ferry,  six  miles  above  New- York :  we  were  about  two  hours 
and  a  half  in  getting  over :  after  which  we  rode  eighteen  miles 
to  Elizabethtown. 

New-Jersey. — Saturday,  29.  We  rode  on  to  Brunswick, 
twenty  miles,  dined,  and  then  hasted  to  Milford,  twenty-two 
miles:  here  we  spent  the  Sabbath  day.  I  preached  in  the 
Ilutchinsonian  chapel:  my  text  was  Matt,  v,  8.  Now  we 
meet  the  tidings  of  doleful  distress  from  poor  Philadelphia — 
ninety  dying  in  a  day  ;  surely  God  will  plead  with  us  !  Mon- 
day I  rested. 

Tuesday,  October  2.  I  stopped  and  dined,  talked,  and  pray- 
ed with  the  Lovell  family,  at  Crosswick's,  and  came  that  night 
to  Hulet  Hancock's,  who  is  a  kind  and  gracious  man. 


Oct.,  1798.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


395 


Wednesday,  3.  Called  upon  James  Sterling.  This  morning 
the  certainty  of  the  death  of  John  Dickens  was  made  known 
to  me  :  he  was  in  person  and  affection  another  Thomas  White 
to  me  for  years  past :  I  feared  death  would  divide  us  soon : 
I  cannot  write  his  biography  here.  We  came  to  German- 
town  :  and  Thursday,  twenty-five  miles  to  Daniel  Meridith's  ; 
where  we  tarried  for  a  night.  Next  day  we  reached  Thom- 
son's mill,  upon  Great  Elk :  within  a  mile  of  this  place,  while 
going  over  a  desperate  piece  of  road,  my  carriage  turned  bot- 
tom upwards ;  I  was  under,  and  thrown  down  a  descent  of 
five  or  six  feet :  I  thought  at  first  I  was  unhurt,  but  upon  ex- 
amination I  found  my  ancle  was  skinned  and  a  rib  bone  bruised. 
O,  the  heat,  the  fall,  the  toil,  the  hunger  of  the  day ! 

Maryland. — On  Saturday  we  rode  six  miles  to  North  East : 
my  bruised  side  pained  me  much,  my  spirits  were  sad ;  dark 
clouds  impend  over  Methodism  here. 

Sabbath  day,  7.  I  preached  in  the  North  East  church  on 
Heb.  xii,  15-17.  The  substance  of  my  sermon  was:  1.  A 
caution  against  failing  to  obtain  the  repenting,  converting, 
persevering,  sanctifying  grace  of  God.  2.  How  some  bad 
principles,  persons,  and  practices  were  like  wormwood,  gall, 
and  poison  to  society.  3.  How  small  the  gain,  and  how  great 
the  loss  of  peace.  4.  That  some  might  apostatize  beyond  the 
possibility  of  being  restored,  and  weep  hopeless  and  unavail- 
ing tears  :  I  enforced  the  caution  ;  looking  diligently  to  avoid 
the  greatest  evil  and  danger  on  the  one  hand,  and  to  secure  the 
greatest  good,  grace,  and  glory  on  the  other.  Monday  we  rode 
to  the  Buck,  and  dined  with  a  daughter  of  Sarah  Dallam's. 
We  then  came  on  to  Perry  Hall :  in  consequence  of  the  drought 
this  place  does  not  appear  a  universal  green,  as  formerly. 

Tuesday,  9.  We  came  to  Baltimore :  here  they  have  little 
to  boast  of  but  health  and  trade :  the  outward  building  of  a 
society-house  is  going  on.  I  had  John  Dickens's  son  with 
me :  we  sketched  out  a  few  traits  of  his  father's  life.  For 
piety,  probity,  profitable  preaching,  holy  living,  Christian  edu- 
cation of  his  children,  secret,  closet  prayer,  I  doubt  whether 
his  superior  is  to  be  found  either  in  Europe  or  America. 


396 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1798. 


Friday,  12.  I  had  an  appointment  in  the  new  church  at 
ten  o'clock.  I  endeavoured  to  suit  my  subject  to  the  season, 
and  to  the  time  of  affliction  in  our  towns  and  cities ;  it  was 
2  Chron.  vii,  13,  14. 

Virginia. — Saturday,  13.  We  rode  thirty-two  miles  to 
Turner's.  Here  man  and  beast  beginning  to  fail,  I  rested  on 
Sabbath  day  ;  we  had  a  long  ride  to  Fairfax  chapel,  where 
we  came  in  about  twelve  o'clock.  In  consequence  of  my  afflic- 
tion of  body  and  mind  I  was  but  poorly  prepared  to  preach ; 
however,  I  attempted  a  gloss  on  1  Peter  ii,  1-3.  Here  I  saw 
and  conversed  with  my  old  friend  William  Watters. 

Monday,  15.  We  came  to  Alexandria;  I  preached  in  the 
evening  on  Col.  iii,  15. 

Tuesday,  16.  Brother  Lee  and  John  Harper  accompanied 
me ;  we  came  through  excessive  heat  and  dust,  thirty  miles, 
to  Ward's. 

Wednesday,  1 7.  I  came  to  the  widow  Conner's,  who  keeps 
a  decent  boarding-house  :  we  rode  this  day  about  forty  miles, 
having  nothing  to  eat  but  a  little  bread  and  cheese.  On  Thurs- 
day, twelve  miles  to  the  widow  Collin's,  where  we  breakfasted 
between  eleven  and  twelve  o'clock,  and  in  our  usual  manner 
prayed,  and  addressed  the  family  about  their  souls  ;  and  then 
rode  on,  ten  miles,  to  brother  Lyon's.  Whilst  others  h  ave 
us,  and  say  much  evil  of  us,  these  people  in  Caroline  county 
keep  closely  to  us.  I  felt  very  unwell,  occasioned,  I  suppose, 
by  riding  so  late  and  early  through  the  excessive  heat,  dust, 
and  dews. 

Friday,  19.  We  came  through  the  dust,  thirty-five  miles, 
to  Richmond :  here  I  heard  of  the  death  of  John  Norman 
Jones,  who  departed  in  joy  and  peace  in  Charleston ;  this  is 
the  second  preacher  we  have  lost  in  about  one  year  in  that 
city.  Likewise  of  Hickson  and  Brash,  in  New-York ;  M'Gee 
and  Dickens,  in  Philadelphia ;  and  Francis  Spry  in  Baltimore. 
M'Gee,  William  Dougharty,  J.  Brush,  Stephen  Davis,  John 
Ragen,  James  King,  and  John  Dickens,  died  of  the  malignant 
fever. 

Saturday,  20.  I  rested  in  Richmond.    I  here  must  record 


Nov.,  1798.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


397 


my  thanks  to  my  ancient  and  firm  friend,  Philip  Rogers,  for 
the  loan  of  a  horse,  when  mine  was  fully  worn  down,  and 
unable  to  stand  my  long  and  rapid  rides. 

Sabbath,  21.  I  preached  in  the  court-house,  at  the  east  end 
of  the  city,  on  1  John  i,  6,  7  ;  and  in  the  afternoon  on  Rom. 
x,  13-16.  On  Monday,  22,  I  preached  at  Manchester,  on 
Heb.  viii,  10,  11  ;  and  on  Tuesday  rode  to  Petersburg  by 
three  o'clock,  and  preached  on  Heb.  iii,  16.  I  spent  the 
evening  with,  and  slept  at  Joseph  Harding's ;  it  was  a  re- 
newal  of  our  former  friendship.  I  spent  Wednesday  at 
Wood  Tucker's,  in  as  sweet  affection  as  in  ancient  times.  I 
exhorted  his  children  to  come  to  Christ. 

Thursday,  25.  In  company  with  my  never-failing  friend  (as 
far  as  man  can  be  so)  Richard  Whatcoat,  I  came  to  Roper's. 
My  horse  was  taken  sick,  which  detained  me  a  night.  On 
Friday,  at  Henry  Reese's,  my  subject  was  Matt,  vi,  16.  I 
had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  seven  preachers  present.  On  Sa- 
turday, 27,  we  had  what  was  much  wanted — rain. 

Sunday,  28.  I  rode  sixteen  miles  and  preached  at  Mayes's 
chapel,  lodging  at  Peter  Robinson's.  Here  I  left  my  carriage 
and  sick  horse  with  brother  Mansfield.  Monday,  at  Trotter's. 
Tuesday,  I  met  the  local  brethren  ;  in  speaking  of  our  own 
souls,  and  the  work  of  God  upon  others,  we  were  quickened. 

Wednesday,  31.  At  Paup's  chapel  I  preached  on  Eph. 
v,  25-27.  Brothers  Lee  and  Harper  exhorted.  The  meeting 
continued  until  three  o'clock.  It  was  a  cold  day,  but  a  warm 
meeting.  Two  or  three  souls  professed  to  find  the  Lord  in 
his  pardoning  grace. 

Thursday,  November  1.  It  rained.  On  Friday  we  rode 
to  Benjamin  Johnson's.  Here  we  talked  over  ancient  and 
present  times,  and  of  our  feelings.  The  work  reviveth  in 
this  society,  and  it  is  as  we  wish  it  to  be,  and  should  be.  The 
young  people  are  coming  to  Christ,  and  will  fill  up  the  places 
of  their  parents,  who  must  shortly  go  to  glory.  In  the  even- 
ing we  came  to  brother  Meredith's.  God  hath  blessed  his 
little  son  ;  but  we  found  the  father  sick. 

Saturday,  3.  Rode  to  brother  Soward's,  near  Roanoak 


398 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Nov.,  1*798. 


River,  where  we  designed  to  keep  the  Sahbath.  I  felt  the 
want  of  a  cloak  or  the  carriage. 

Sunday,  4.  I  have  peace  in  my  soul,  but  feel  uncomfort- 
able in  my  body. 

Monday,  5.  This  was  a  great  day  ;  many  preachers,  tra- 
velling and  local,  were  present.  My  subject  was  Eph.  iv, 
11,  12.  We  had  a  melting  time.  Brother  Dromgoold  and 
myself  wept.    His  wife  and  others  praised  the  Lord. 

North  Carolina. — Tuesday,  6.  We  crossed  the  Roanoak 
at  Moseley's  ferry,  and  stopped  at  M'Lane's.  Here  God  is 
working  amongst  the  people.  We  came  on  Wednesday,  by 
riding  two  hours  in  the  night  through  the  woods,  to  Harris's, 
where  I  preached  on  Thursday,  8th,  from  2  Peter  i,  4.  On 
Friday  we  rode  to  Colonel  Edmund  Taylor's.  Sabbath  day, 
at  Bank's  church,  I  preached  on  Heb.  vi,  11,  12,  and  admin- 
istered the  supper  of  the  Lord,  and  ordained  John  Whitefield 
deacon.  The  church  was  so  very  open  that  we  could  not  be 
outwardly  comfortable.  We  tried  to  remedy  it,  in  some 
measure,  by  closing  up  some  of  the  windows  with  blankets. 
I  lodged  at  Nathan  Norris's,  one  of  my  sons  in  Christ,  now  a 
father  of  children,  and  a  very  useful  preacher. 

Monday,  13.  We  rode  twenty  miles  to  Charles  Cannon's; 
and  on  Tuesday,  twenty-five  miles  to  Snipe's.  Wednesday 
we  forded  How  River,  and  came  through  a  curious  path,  for 
a  carriage,  to  the  new  meeting-house  on  Hickory  Mountain. 
We  dined  with  Mr.  Reeves,  an  ancient  friend  of  mine,  and 
thence  proceeded  on  to  brother  M'Master's,  a  local  preacher. 
We  have  ridden  this  day  thirty  miles. 

Thursday,  15.  We  rode  from  the  upper  branches  of  Rocky 
River,  twenty  miles,  to  Pleasant  Garden.  When  I  came  to 
the  meeting-house,  I  had  little  strength  of  mind  or  body. 
We  lodged  at  Daniel  Sherwood's.  My  aged  brethren  and 
sisters  from  Maryland  and  Delaware  rejoiced  to  see  me,  a 
poor,  feeble  man,  as  I  was.  They  had  seen  me  in  better 
times. 

Friday,  1G.  We  rode  to  Mr.  Bell's,  on  Deep  River;  thence 
thirty  miles  to  Wood's,  upon  River.    This  day  was  very 


Nov.,  1798.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


399 


warm,  and  wc  had  exceedingly  uncomfortable  roads.  Going 
at  this  rate  is  very  trying ;  but  it  will  make  death  welcome, 
and  eternal  rest  desirable.  Saturday  and  Sunday,  at  quar- 
terly meeting,  my  subject  was  Acts  iii,  26.  We  rode  down 
twelve  miles  to  D.  West's,  and  were  benighted,  which  ill 
suited  me.  As  we  had  to  travel  an  unknown  road  to  Henry 
Ledbetter's,  I  wished  to  continue  on  our  journey,  and  not 
stop  at  Hancock ;  but  the  people  thought  and  said  otherwise, 
so  I  stopped,  and  brother  Lee  preached  ;  after  which  I  gave 
a  discourse  on  Acts  ii,  39,  and  came  off  in  haste.  D.  West 
escorted  me  down  to  the  ferry,  where  we  called  in  vain  for 
the  flat.  D.  West  went  over,  and  it  was  with  difficulty  that 
he  persuaded  the  ferryman  to  come  with  the  boat  and  take 
me.  It  being  dark,  and  the  wind  blowing  very  strong  and  cold, 
we  had  hard  work  in  crossing.  I  told  the  company  so  in  the 
morning,  but  stay  I  must  and  preach,  or  be  accounted  proud. 
At  Henry  Ledbetter's  I  preached  on  Heb.  x,  23,  24,  and  at 
John  Randell's,  2  Cor.  vi,  1.  Brother  Jackson  had  secured 
for  me  riding  and  preaching  enough  as  far  as  Camden. 

Thursday,  22.  We  recrossed  the  Pee  Dee  River  at  C.'s 
Ferry,  and  made  it  about  eighteen  miles  to  Mask's,  where  I 
preached  on  Heb.  iv,  1.  On  Friday,  at  Bethel,  on  2  Cor. 
vi,  1 1 .  Saturday  and  Sunday,  at  quarterly  meeting,  at  Jesse's 
(a  coloured  man)  meeting-house,  near  Webb's  Ferry.  My 
subject  on  Saturday  was  Acts  ii,  11,  18,  and  on  Sabbath 
day,  2  Tim.  iv,  1,  2.  We  then  rode  seven  miles  to  Isaac  Jack- 
son's.   Monday,  rode. 

Tuesday,  21.  Preached,  and  rode  twenty-two  miles  to  Mr. 
Blakeney's,  on  Thomson's  Creek.  Wednesday,  rode  to  Hor- 
ton's,  and  preached  on  Gen.  xxiii,  19.  At  Crul's  meeting- 
house, on  Thursday,  on  ,  and  at  Granney's  Quarter,  on 

2  Cor.  xii,  9  ;  and  on  Friday  we  came  into  Camden.  Brother 
Lee  had  gone  along  on  brother  Blanton's  district. 

South  Carolina. — We  have  ridden  since  brother  Jackson 
hath  had  the  command  of  us,  nearly  one  hundred  and  fifty 
miles,  from  Montgomery,  in  North  Carolina,  to  Camden,  in 
South  Carolina.    If  I  attempt  my  appointments  that  brother 


400 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1799. 


Lee  has  gone  upon,  I  must  ride  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles 
next  week  to  Washington,  in  Georgia.  I  have  made  little  or 
no  observation  on  the  way,  I  have  been  so  unwell.  The  peo- 
ple are  remarkably  kind  in  this  country.  I  preached  in  Cam- 
den on  1  Kings  viii,  35,  36.  Here  we  have  a  beautiful  meet- 
ing-house. It  was  a  time  of  very  severe  drought,  but  I  hope 
this  place  will  yet  be  visited  in  mercy.  Monday  we  rode  to 
brother  James  Rembart's,  and  on  Tuesday  I  preached  there 
on  Heb.  vi,  18.  Here  we  seated  ourselves  for  writing  until 
Saturday,  10.  On  Sabbath  day  my  subject  was  Acts  iv,  20. 
Monday,  we  rode  to  brother  Bradford's,  and  on  Tuesday  to 
Jack  Creek.  The  changes  of  weather  and  lodging  affect  me 
much.  I  called  and  preached  at  Robert  Bowman's.  On 
Friday  we  came  to  Monk's  Corner,  and  on  Saturday  to 
Charleston.  Fasting,  and  riding  through  the  heavy  sands, 
cause  me  to  feel  unwell.  I  received  a  cooling  breeze yn  a  letter 
from  the  North.  For  the  first  time  I  opened  my  mouth  upon 
Psalm  lxvi,  13,  14.  We  have  peace  and  good  prospects  in 
Charleston,  very  large  congregations  attend  the  ministration 
of  the  word.  Brother  Harper  opened  his  mission  upon, 
"  Thy  word  have  I  hid  in  my  heart  that  I  might  not  sin 
against  thee."  In  the  evening  I  spoke  upon  our  Lord's 
lamentation  over  Jerusalem.  On  Christmas-day  I  preached 
from  Luke  ii,  14,  and  at  the  new  church,  on  Haggai  ii,  7. 

January  1,  1799.  Our  yearly  conference  assembled  at 
Charleston.  We  kept  our  seats  Tor  four  days  ;  thirty  preach- 
ers present.  We  had  great  harmony  and  good  humour.  I 
gave  a  short  discourse,  addressed  to  the  conference,  from  Heb. 
xiii,  17. 

I.  Your  guides — consequently  governors.  These  how  need- 
ful in  the  night,  if  there  be  ignorance  in  the  traveller,  and 
danger  in  the  way,  deep  pits,  wild  beasts,  or  bad  men.  If  it 
be  in  the  morning,  or  noon-day,  how  natural  it  is  to  follow  a 
guide  ;  how  necessity  and  fear,  upon  the  part  of  the  traveller, 
will  make  him  obedient. 

II.  People  are  to  be  led  into  essential  truth,  duty,  and 
experience. 


Jan.,1799.J  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


401 


III.  Ministers  are  to  watch  for  their  souls  as  they  that 
must  give  an  account — the  general  and  special  accountability 
to  God,  Christ,  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  the  ministry,  and  to 
the  Church,  and  to  all  men ;  they  must  give  an  account  for 
the  loss  of  the  Christian  traveller,  if  that  loss  be  a  conse- 
quence of  neglect  in  the  guide.  The  joy  faithful  ministers 
have  in  the  prosperity,  spirituality,  and  happiness  of  the 
Church  ;  their  grief  or  groaning,  when  so  far  from  gaining  other 
souls,  they  lose  some  already  partially  gained  ;  how  much 
the  interest  of  souls  is  concerned  in  the  prosperity  of  the  min- 
istry. Pray  for  us  :  the  great  duty  of  the  flock.  The  argu- 
ment :  We  have  a  good  conscience :  that  this  being  the  case, 
their  prayers  might  be  answered.  Live  honestly,  do  our  duty 
faithfully,  and  take  what  is  allowed  us  as  wages — paying  our 
just  debts  to  souls. 

I  ordained  three  elders  and  seven  deacons.  The  generosity 
of  the  people  in  Charleston  was  great.  After  keeping  our 
ministry  and  their  horses,  they  gave  us  nearly  one  hundred 
dollars  for  the  benefit  of  those  preachers  who  are  in  want. 

Sabbath  dag,  6.  Very  cold,  sleet  in  the  streets,  and  dan- 
gerous walking.  We  had  a  solemn  sacramental  season  ;  and 
a  goodly  number  of  "  Ethiopians  stretched  out  their  hands  to 
the  Lord." 

Saturday,  12.  My  time  has  been  chiefly  taken  up  in  com- 
posing and  selecting  from  Cave's  Lives  of  the  Fathers,  showing 
the  primitive  episcopacy.  We  are  laid  up  for  winter,  when 
it  is  like  summer.  I  hope  to  labour  upon  the  Lord's  day  in 
the  churches,  so  called. 

Sabbath  day,  20.  I  preached  at  Bethel :  my  subject  was 
Mark  xi,  1 7  :  "  And  he  taught,  saying  unto  them,  Is  it  not  writ- 
ten, My  house  shall  be  called  of  all  nations  the  house  of 
prayer  ?  but  ye  have  made  it  a  den  of  thieves."  At  the  old 
church  my  subject  was  2  Peter  i,  16.  A  group  of  sinners 
gathered  around  the  door,  and  when  I  took  the  pulpit  they 
went  off  with  a  shout :  I  felt  what  was  coming.  In  the  even- 
ing there  was  a  proper  uproar,  like  old  times.  I  employed 
the  last  week  in  reading,  writing,  visiting,  and  attending  feasts 


402 


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of  charity  ;  one  with  the  white  society,  and  the  other  with  the 
Africans. 

Sabbath  day,  21.  I  preached  in  the  morning  at  Bethel, 
from  Heb.  xiii,  20,  21. 

I.  It  was  a  prayer :  as  he,  Paul,  had  asked  their  prayers, 
he  gave  them  his. 

II.  "The  God  of  peace:"  the  gracious  relation  of  the 
Hebrews  as  reconciled  to  God. 

III.  "  Brought  again  from  the  dead ;"  when  it  might  be 
thought,  all  was  lost  when  Jesus  was  dead ;  again  he  had 
brought  the  Hebrews  from  a  state  of  death  in  trespasses  and 
sins. 

IV.  This  was  more  than  bringing  the  apostle  to  them, 
although  he  might  be  given  to  them  of  God  to  their  prayers. 

V.  "  Great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep" — all  the  sheep,  Jews 
and  Gentiles.  The  Shepherd  of  the  shepherds  ;  doing  really, 
what  they,  under-shepherds,  do  instrumentally :  he  seeketh, 
keepeth,  feedeth,  and  watcheth  his  ordained  flock  against 
those  who  would  steal  or  kill  them,  and  alienate  them  from 
Jesus,  or  the  true  fold,  and  faithful  pastors. 

VI.  "Through  the  blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant:" 
see  Exodus  xxiv,  3  ;  Moses  said,  Behold  the  blood  of  the 
covenant,  when  he  sprinkled  the  people  ;  it  is  this  that  merit- 
eth,  sealeth,  and  sanctifieth. 

VI I.  "Make  you  perfect  in  every  good  work" — as  to  the 
quantity  and  quality  of  good  works :  and, 

Lastly,  "pleasing  to  God" — in  gracious  affections,  purity 
of  intention,  and  uniformity  of  conduct ;  and  all  by  the  merit 
and  intercession  of  Jesus  Christ.  In  the  afternoon  I  preached 
in  Cumberland-street  meeting-house  on  Deut.  iv,  9. 

Wednesday,  30.  Once  more,  through  divine  assistance,  we 
left  Charleston,  and  came  twelve  miles  to  brother  Jackson's ; 
where  we  rested  one  day. 

Sunday,  February  3.  By  riding  until  ten  o'clock  in  the 
night,  we  came,  fifty  miles,  to  Mr.  Boon's.  On  Saturday  I 
rode  alone  to  Georgetown :  we  have  made  it  nearly  eighty 
miles  from  Charleston  to  this  place.    I  preached  on  Galatians 


Feb.,  1799.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


403 


v,  24-26 :  First,  They  that  are  Christ's  in  a  special  spiritual 
sense  :  his  sheep,  redeemed,  sought,  and  saved  ;  his  children, 
bearing  his  image.  Secondly,  How  they  are  to  be  distin- 
guished :  they  crucify  the  flesh  with  the  passions  and  desires 
thereof ;  the  sinful  love  of  the  world,  with  the  sinful  fear 
and  joy  also.  Thirdly,  Let  us  walk  in  the  Spirit,  as  an' 
evidence  that  we  live  in  the  Spirit.  Fourthly,  Let  us 
not  be  "  desirous  of  vain  glory ;"  in  forms,  ordinances,  or 
any  outward  appearances  of  men  and  things.  Fifthly,  Let  us 
not  by  such  mean  measures  "  provoke  one  another,"  or  envy 
one  another.    In  the  afternoon  I  preached  on  Isaiah  lxvi,  5. 

Monday,  4.  Was  an  uncomfortable  day  ;  so  we  did  not  ride. 

Tuesday,  5.  We  crossed  Black-River,  at  Gadsby's  ferry: 
the  bridge  over  one  of  the  natural  canals  was  broken  ;  we  had 
presence  of  mind  to  loose  the  long  reins  of  the  bridle  :  bro- 
ther Lee  put  the  horse  through  the  ford,  and  I  met  him  on 
the  other  side,  and  guided  him  out  safe.  This  day  we  made 
it  nearly  forty  miles  to  Rogers's,  near  Kingston. 

Wednesday,  6.  We  rode  in  a  cold  day,  thirty  miles,  to  dear 
brother  Hawkins's,  upon  Little  River,  crossing  Wacawman  at 
Star  Bluff. 

North  Carolina. —  Thursday,  9.  I  preached  at  the  meet- 
ing-house, from  Luke  iv,  18,  19 ;  and  came  the  same  evening 
to  father  William  Gause's ;  where  I  preached,  on  Friday  10, 
upon  Rom.  v,  1-5,  we  had  a  living  season  here.  I  paid  a 
visit  to  the  sea,  and  saw  the  breakers — awfully  tremendous 
sight  and  sound  !  but  how  curious  to  see  the  sea  gull  take  the 
clams  out  of  the  sand  and  bear  them  up  into  the  air,  and  drop 
them  down  to  break  them,  and  then  eat  the  flesh !  This  I 
saw  demonstrated  ;  and  if  they  fail  once  in  breaking  the  shell, 
they  will  take  it  up  again,  and  bear  it  higher,  and  cast  it  down 
upon  a  hard  spot  of  ground,  until  they  effect  their  purpose. 

We  are  now  in  Bladen  circuit,  Brunswick  count}',  North 
Carolina.  I  have  travelled  nearly  four  hundred  miles  in  the 
Southern  States,  and  spent  three  months  therein.  We  rested 
on  Saturday  9,  and  on 

Sunday,  10,  We  attended  at  Shallot  church;  my  subject 


404 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  TFeb.,  1799. 


was  Acts  xiv,  22.  I  showed,  First,  That  the  souls  of  the  dis- 
ciples must  be  confirmed  in  doctrine,  experience,  practice,  and 
discipline  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ  in  the  Church  of  God.  It 
was  observed,  how  plainly  these  were  taught  in  the  oracles 
of  God.  I  offered  some  arguments  in  favour  of  revelation,  to 
induce  a  continuance  in  the  substance  and  exercise  of  faith 
through  life :  through  much  tribulation  entering  the  eternal 
kingdom  of  glory :  an  object  so  great  is  not  to  be  gained 
without  great  trials  from  every  enemy,  in  doing  and  suffering 
the  whole  will  of  God.  The  day  was  so  excessively  cold,  and 
the  house  so  open,  that  I  was  chilled  through  my  whole  sys- 
tem. After  meeting  we  rode  on  to  Lockwood's  Folly :  here 
are  several  young  converts. 

Monday,  1 1 .  We  came  by  Town  Creek,  where  I  stopped  four- 
teen years  ago ;  but  what  a  change  since  then !  Stephen 
Daniel  and  his  wife  are  no  more ;  but  their  dear  children  are 
coming  to  Christ,  to  fill  up  their  parent's  places. 

Sister  Daniel  was  an  excellent  woman.  It  seems  as  though 
old  Brunswick  in  North  Carolina,  would  be  a  Methodist  county, 
and  that  most  of  the  rulers  would  believe  in  Christ. 

Tuesday,  12.  I  preached  at  Sullivans',  on  Town  Creek, 
from  Gal.  vi,  9 :  the  house  was  crowded  with  people ;  there 
were  many  children  to  baptize ;  but  my  spirits  were  sunk, 
and  I  had  no  heart  to  speak. 

Wednesday,  13.  We  came  on  to  Wilmington;  here  I  was 
in  low  spirits  still.  This  town  has  suffered  by  two  dreadful 
fires  ;  but  the  people  are  rebuilding  swiftly.  I  was  so  afflicted 
in  body,  that  brother  Lee  had  to  preach  two  sermons  in  the 
church  :  the  people  were  very  attentive. 

Thursday,  14.  We  rode  twenty  miles  to  Nixon's;  where  I 
preached  a  little  to  a  little  flock,  as  there  was  only  a  half-day's 
notice.  Through  this  day  I  have  been  amazingly  dejected, 
although  I  am  abundantly  more  happy  in  constitution  and  feel- 
ing than  formerly. 

Friday,  15.  At  Stone  Bay  :  no  preaching  by  the  Methodists 
at  this  place.  We  lodged  at  friend  Johnson's:  on  my  last 
visit  I  preached  here.    We  made  it  twenty-seven  miles. 


Feb.,  l^.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


40.5 


Saturday,  1G.  We  rode  eighteen  miles  to  Lot  Ballard's: 
here  we  -were  at  home.  It  was  an  excessively  cold  day ;  at 
noon  it  changed  to  hail,  and  terminated  in  rain.  I  housed 
myself ;  and  brother  Lee  went  to  the  New  River  chapel  to 
preach  to  the  people. 

Sunday,  17.  Cold  as  the  day  was,  and  unwell  as  I  felt  my- 
self, I  could  not  be  absent  from  the  house  of  God :  my  sub- 
ject was  Acts  iii,  19.  The  slaves  were  not  permitted  to  come 
into  the  house.  We  rode  to  William  Bryan's,  at  Bryantown, 
upon  Cedar  Creek  :  and  on  Monday  we  held  a  meeting  at 
Colonel  Bryan's,  the  father  of  William. 

Tuesday,  19.  We  were  at  Trenton  court-house;  and  on 
Wednesday  at  Lee's  chapel :  my  subject  here  was  Micah 
vi,  6-8.  I  endeavoured  to  show,  First,  that  it  is  still  the  voice 
of  many,  "  Wherewith  shall  I  come  before  the  Lord,  to  enjoy 
his  favour  and  presence,  and  bow  myself  before  the  high 
God  ?"  that  is,  worship  him  acceptably,  as  though  they  would 
give  all  they  have  in  the  world,  no  sacrifice  should  be  too 
great ;  but  men  are  often  great  in  promise,  but  defective  in 
performance ;  they  promise  much  and  do  little.  He  hath 
showed  thee,  O  man!  what  is  good — that  is,  true  religion; 
the  blessed  effects  and  fruits  of  it — do  justly  and  walk  humbly 
with  thy  God  ;  see  Deut.  x,  12  ;  Hosea  xii,  6.  First,  Do  justly 
according  to  human  laws,  and  the  claims  and  rights  of  men 
with  men,  as  it  respects  continents,  kingdoms,  or  families. 
Second,  Do  justice  as  it  concerns  the  laws  of  God — as  the 
second  table  is  a  claim  of  justice  to  obey  parents,  and  not  to 
take  mens'  lives  nor  their  wives ;  to  bear  a  true  witness. 
Third,  Do  justly,  according  to  the  commandment  of  Christ, 
Matt,  vii,  12.  "  Love  mercy,"  as  it  extends  to  the  souls  and 
bodies  of  men  ;  this  requires  more  than  to  do  justly  to  them  : 
"walk  humbly  with  thy  God" — feel  thy  total  poverty  and 
universal  dependence  upon  God  for  all  things,  spiritual  and 
temporal. 

We  lodged  at  Mrs.  Knights,  the  mother  of  our  dear  de- 
ceased brother  Ahairs,  once  a  travelling  preacher  amongst  us. 
Thursday,  21.  We  came  to  Newbcrn,  originally  settled  by 


400 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Mar,,  1799. 


Germans,  and  called  after  old  Berne,  in  Switzerland.  For  six- 
teen miles  of  this  road  we  had  heavy  rain ;  but  I  was  well 
cased  up,  notwithstanding  which  I  took  cold.  We  have  tra- 
velled from  Charleston  three  hundred  and  thirty  miles  in  this 
our  retrograde  journey,  which  we  have  made  longer  by  fre- 
quently turning  out  of  our  way. 

Saturday,  23.  My  subjects  at  Newbern  were  1  Peter 
ii,  11,  12  ;  Heb.  vii,  25  ;  1  Tim.  iv,  8.  We  had  very  uncom- 
fortable weather.  We  made  some  spiritual  and  temporal  re- 
gulations, in  hopes  that  matters  would  work  much  better  in 
future. 

Monday,  25.  It  was  cold  to  purpose,  and  we  had  twenty- 
four  miles  to  ride  to  William  Cox's,  on  Neuse,  near  the  mouth 
of  Contentny :  here  my  text  was  1  John  iv,  16,  17.  We 
hence  in  a  manner  fled  through  the  counties  of  Craven,  Lenoir, 
Glasgow,  and  Edgecombe. 

Tuesday,  20.  I  did  not  attend  at  the  Rainbow  meeting- 
house in  consequence  of  my  illness,  the  effect  of  my  riding  in 
the  cold  the  day  before. 

Wednesday,  27.  I  was  comforted  in  administering  the  sa- 
crament ;  after  which,  as  the  day  was  damp,  I  left  brother 
Lee  to  finish,  and  rode  along  sixteen  miles  to  Seth  Spaight's  ; 
a  deeply  distressed  man  for  the  loss  of  his  dear  wife,  who 
lately  departed  this  life. 

Thursday,  28.  We  rode  thirty-four  miles  to  brother  Toole's ; 
the  rain  poured  down  upon  us  on  our  way,  and  we  had  to 
feed  under  a  pine-tree. 

Friday,  March  1 .  We  made  out  to  ride  ten  miles,  to  Mr. 
Hodge's,  near  Sosson's  bridge,  upon  Fishing  Creek ;  where 
we  were  kindly  and  comfortably  entertained. 

Saturday,  2.  We  came  to  brother  Bradford's  quarterly 
meeting  :  I  was  glad,  after  riding  sixteen  miles  through  the 
damp  and  severe  cold,  to  sit  by  the  fire. 

Sabbath  day,  3.  I  preached  a  little  on  2  Cor.  iv,  16-18. 

Monday,  4.  The  generally  excessive  rains  having  made  the 
Roanoke  impassable  at  the  nearest  ferry,  we  had  to  ride  a 
circuitous  rout  through  Halifax,  which  made  it  about  thirty 


Mar.,  1799.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


407 


miles  to  Richard  Whittaker'a  in  Northampton.  We  had  a 
bad  swamp  to  cross,  but  I  kept  out  of  the  water.  It  was 
well  for  me  my  carriage  did  not  upset  in  the  water,  which 
it  was  very  near  doing.  To  travel  thirty  miles  in  such  a  cold 
day  without  fire,  and  no  food,  except  a  bit  of  biscuit,  is  seri- 
ous. We  were  received  gladly  by  our  waiting  brethren, 
Whatcoat,  Wanner,  and  Lambeth.  I  am  of  opinion  that  we 
have  left  five  hundred  miles  on  the  other  side  of  the  Roanoke, 
in  all  the  ground  we  have  ridden  over  from  Charleston,  in 
South,  to  Halifax,  in  North  Carolina.  I  went  to  Rehoboth, 
(a  new  meeting-house,)  and  preached  on  2  Cor.  ii,  14. 

Wednesday,  6.  The  cold  and  frost  was  very  severe,  and  it 
was  with  great  difficulty  we  made  our  way  through  the 
swamp  from  Richard  Whittaker's.  We  rode  to  St.  John's 
chapel,  where  brother  Lee  preached  upon  Rom.  v,  5.  The 
house  being  open,  I  was  most  severely  chilled,  and  unfit  for 
any  public  service.    We  lodged  at  Williford  Horton's. 

Thursday,  7.  We  rode  to  Winton  court-house ;  where  I 
preached  on  Heb.  iii,  7.  Two-thirds  of  my  congregation 
were  women ;  perhaps  there  will  be  more  men  when  I  go 
there  again. 

Friday,  8.  We  rode  to  Knotty-Pine. 

Saturday,  9.  I  preached  at  Knotty-Pine  chapel,  on  Gen. 
xxiv,  17-19  :  I  was  elaborate  upon  personal  and  family  piety. 
Here  I  saw  sister  Baker  ;  she  standeth  fast  in  the  liberty 
wherewith  Christ  hath  made  her  free,  and  I  hope  and  be- 
lieve God  will  save  her  children  :  our  souls  were  mutually 
blessed. 

Sabbath  day,  10.  At  Gates  court-house  many  serious  peo- 
ple attended  :  my  subject  was  Heb.  vii,  26.  I  administered 
the  sacrament ;  and  had  a  solemn,  feeling  season. 

Monday,  11.  We  rode  to  Constants  chapel,  on  one  of  the 
branches  of  Bennett's  Creek.  The  main  creek  affords  a  land- 
ing at  Gates  court-house,  and  communicates,  after  a  few  miles, 
with  Chowan  River.  I  was  made  very  comfortable  in  soul 
and  body  at  Isaac  Hunter's ;  and  had  a  happy  meeting  with 
the  poor  Africans  at  night. 


408 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Mar.,  1799. 


Tuesday,  12.  The  coolness  of  the  weather  increases. 
We  rode  thirty  miles  to  George  Sutton's,  in  Perquimons 

county. 

Wednesday,  13.  It  both  snowed  and  rained.  We  had  a 
meeting  at  a  house  near  Maggshead  chapel ;  where  I  preached 
a  short  sermon  from  1  Peter  iv,  18.     We  lodged  at  J. 

W  's,  a  comfortable  house,  after  a  very  uncomfortable 

snowy  day. 

Thursday,  14.  At  Nixonton  I  declined  preaching  and 
made  an  exhortation,  after  brother  Lee  had  given  them  a 
long  sermon.  It  is  probably  eight  years  since  I  came  through 
this  circuit,  which  caused  this  people  to  exert  themselves  in 
coming  out,  so  that  we  had  a  very  large  congregation. 

We  have  ridden,  since  we  came  across  Roanoak,  one  hun- 
dred and  forty-three  miles  to  John  Russell's.  We  have 
moved  rapidly  through  Gates,  Chowan,  Perquimons,  and  Pas- 
quotank counties :  as  we  pass  we  have  lovely  levels,  fine 
white  cedar  on  the  rivers,  creeks,  and  swamps,  for  between 
six  or  seven  hundred  miles :  from  the  low  lands  in  Georgia, 
to  Blackwater  in  Virginia,  it  is  fine  lumber  land,  but  un- 
healthy in  some  places. 

Friday,  15.  It  began  to  rain  heavily,  but  ceased  about 
twelve  o'clock ;  we  then  rode  to  a  school-house,  where  many 
attended:  my  subject  was,  1  Peter  v,  10.  I  had  the  com- 
pany of  several  preachers.  I  then  rode  on  eight  miles  to 
brother  Probry's  ;  it  was  good  for  me  to  be  there.  Satur- 
day, 16.  I  felt  greatly  depressed  in  spirit,  owing,  no  doubt, 
in  some  measure,  to  the  changeable  state  of  the  weather. 
We  crossed  the  Pasquotank  at  Sawyer's  Ferry  :  here  we  were 
told  that  we  had  but  seven  miles  to  ride  ;  but  we  wandered 
until  we  made  it  twelve.  We  learned  that  one  of  the  widow 
Sawyer's  daughters  was  lately  committed  to  the  dust;  at 
the  gate  of  the  yard  we  found  the  mother  in  tears.  As  I 
was  not  able  in  body  or  mind  to  preach,  I  gave  an  exhorta- 
tion ;  and  after  we  had  dined,  we  rode  ten  miles  to  Samuel 
Simmons's,  across  the  North  River  swamps,  which  afford  as 
low  and  as  good  land  as  any  part  of  the  beech  lands  of  Cum- 


Mau.,  1799.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


409 


berland  or  Kentucky.  We  swiftly  passed  through  Camden 
and  Currituck  counties. 

Sunday,  17.  I  made  a  feeble  effort  to  preach  at  Williams's 
chapel,  on  James  i,  24,  25.  Our  congregation  was  large.  I 
returned  and  left  brother  Lee  to  finish.  We  lodged  at  bro- 
ther Brunnell's.  On  Monday  we  had  a  violent  storm  of 
wind  and  snow,  which  lasted  until  ten  o'clock,  and  we  had  a 
bitter  ride  of  nineteen  or  twenty  miles  to  James  Wilson's,  at 
Hickory  Ground,  in  Virginia.  I  was  exceedingly  chilled  on 
the  way,  the  snow  being  from  six  to  seven  inches  deep,  and 
it  blew  a  heavy  cold  -wind. 

Virginia. — Tuesday,  19.  I  preached  at  brother  Wilson's, 
from  1  Cor.  xv,  58.  I  sent  my  carriage  for  James  Morris, 
(formerly  with  us,)  afterward  an  Episcopal  minister,  and  now 
near  death.  He  expressed  great  consolation  in  God,  and  love 
to  me.  He  hath  a  pious  wife,  who  is  the  mother  of  nine 
children.  We  lodged  with  John  Hodge,  who  joined  the  Me- 
thodists in  early  life.  I  was  pleased  to  find  that  the  elderly 
Methodists  had  put  their  children  to  trades  to  learn  to  work 
for  themselves.  I  am  in  hopes  the  parents  will  not  leave 
them  their  slaves,  but  manumit  them — by  ivill  at  least. 

Wednesday,  20.  At  Cutherall's,  near  the  great  bridge,  and 
near  Manning's,  where  we  preached  before  the  revolutionary 
Mar.  On  Thursday  we  rode  through  the  rain  to  Norfolk, 
where  I  preached  on  Friday,  from  Gal.  ii,  20  :  "I  am  cru- 
cified with  Christ."  Christ  crucified :  and  Paid  crucified 
after  the  likeness  of  Christ,  and  for  Jesus — crucified  to  the 
world  in  afflictions,  hopes,  and  desires.  I  live — I  have  had  a 
spiritual  birth,  and  live  a  spiritual  life  of  faith,  love,  and  holi- 
ness ;  yet  not  I,  as  the  author  of  my  own  birth  or  life  ;  "  Christ 
liveth  in  me," — by  his  Spirit ;  "  and  the  life  I  now  live  is  by 
faith  of  the  Son  of  God  ;" — faith  of,  and  faith  in,  Christ — 
"  who  hath  loved  me,  and  given  himself  for  me," — that  is,  I 
know  and  feel  my  personal  and  real  interest  in,  and  union  with, 
him. 

We  had  a  comfortable  sacramental  season  in  Norfolk  on 
Easter-dav  ;  and  at  Portsmouth,  I  spoke  on  James  v,  20. 
Vol.  II.— 18. 


410 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Apr.,  1799. 


Brother  Lee  preached  on  Romans  ii,  14;  1  Cor.  ix,  19-22; 
1  Tim.  iv,  16. 

Monday,  25.  We  rode  eighteen  miles  to  George  Walker's, 
in  Princess  Ann  county,  where  I,  with  great  labour,  preached 
on  Luke  xxiv,  46-48.  We  calculate  that  we  have 
ridden  eight  hundred  and  eighteen  miles  since  we  left 
Charleston. 

Tuesday,  26.  We  came  to  quarterly  meeting  at  Dawley's 
meeting-house.  The  day  was  cloudy,  and  myself  also.  As 
there  were  four  preachers  to  attend,  I  stayed  at  home.  On 
Wednesday  there  was  a  most  awful  storm  of  rain  and  wind, 
which  caused  us  to  keep  within  doors. 

Thursday,  28.  I  rode  seven  miles  to  Nimour's  meeting- 
house, where  I  preached  on  Heb.  ii,  1 .  The  day  was  exces- 
sively cold  and  the  house  too.  After  preaching  I  rode  nine- 
teen miles,  having  no  refreshment  for  man  or  horse  until  we 
came  to  James  Dawley's,  within  two  miles  of  Norfolk,  about 
seven  o'clock  at  night.  On  Friday  we  came  into  town,  and 
attended  quarterly  meeting  on  Saturday  and  Sunday.  My 
subject  on  Saturday  was  Psalm  cxxvii,  1,  and  on  Sabbath 
day,  James  i,  24,  25.  I  had  a  painful  night  after  preaching 
on  Saturday,  having  a  small  ulcer  formed  in  my  breast. 

At  Suffolk  I  was  addressed  by  two  grand-daughters  of 
my  dear  aged  friend,  Benjamin  Welden,  of  James  City.  I 
dined  with  Mr.  Whitlock,  and  after  the  rain  was  over  rode  to 
William  Powell's,  forty  miles  from  Portsmouth. 

Thursday,  April  4.  I  must  needs  preach  at  Wells's,  the 
schism  house  ;  the  great  were  there.  My  subject  was  2  Tim. 
ii,  19.  We  then  rode  to  William  Blunt's.  On  Friday  we 
were  at  Moody's,  and  on  Saturday  we  came  to  the  house  of 
the  widow  of  Henry  Davies.  On  Sunday  I  preached  at 
Lane's  chapel,  from  2  Tim.  ii,  15,  but  it  was  the  dividing  of 
blood  from  my  lungs.  On  the  way  I  ordained  two  local 
deacons. 

Monday,  8.  We  rode  thirty  miles  to  Jones's  chapel. 
Tuesday,  Wednesday,  and  Thursday,  conference  sat  in  great 
peace  and  love.    As  the  house  was  cold,  and  I  was  very  un 


Apr.,  1799.J  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


411 


well,  I  could  not  attend.  I  had  about  two  pounds  of  blood 
drawn  from  me. 

Friday,  12.  We  rode  to  father  Nathaniel  Lee's,  and  on 
Saturday,  13,  to  Frederick  Bonner's,  where  I  rested — a  so- 
lemn Sabbath. 

Monday,  15.  By  ten  o'clock  we  came  to  Petersburg;  and 
then  rode  on  and  crossed  James  River,  at  Woodson's  ferry. 
We  lodged  at  Keezee's,  having  ridden  thirty-two  miles. 

Tuesday,  16.  We  came  to  Philip  Davis's,  twenty  miles, 
near  Putney,  New  Kent.  I  feel  low  in  body,  but  serene  in 
soul.  The  brethren  in  Virginia,  in  conference,  gave  it  me  in 
charge  not  to  preach  until  the  Baltimore  conference.  I  was 
willing  to  obey,  feeling  myself  utterly  unable.  The  houses 
that  we  preach  and  lodge  in,  in  this  severe  weather,  are  very 
open.  My  breast  is  inflamed,  and  I  have  a  discharge  of 
blood. 

Wednesday,  17.  I  rested  at  brother  Davis's  ;  and  on 
Thursday,  18,  Rode  to  Benjamin  Pace's,  in  King  and 
Queen  county :  these  are  gracious  and  kind  souls — God  is 
still  working  in  this  place ;  they  have  r,ne  hundred  members 
in  society. 

Friday,  19.  We  rode  twenty  miles  to  our  dear  brother 
Cole's,  in  Essex  county.    We  rested  on  Saturday. 

Sunday,  21.  Attended  a  meeting  at  Shephard's;  and  then 
rode  to  the  widow  Cox's. 

Monday,  22.  We  crossed  the  Rappahannock,  at  Layton's 
ferry,  and  came  to  the  widow  Bombry's,  in  King  George 
county.  We  have  ridden  upwards  of  sixty  miles  in  two  days, 
through  excessively  cold  weather  for  the  season. 

Tuesday,  23.  We  rode  thirty-five  miles  to  Ward's,  near 
Dumfries. 

Wednesday,  24.  Tins  is  the  great  day  of  election ;  and 
there  is  no  small  stir  in  Virginia,  about  federal  and  anti-federal 
men.  We  rode  thirty  miles  to  William  Adams's  ;  I  was  much 
chilled,  and  way  weary. 

Thursday,  25.  The  general  fast  day — I  attended  at  Fairfax 
chapel ;  Philip  Bruce  gave  a  discourse  upon  those  words  of 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1799. 


our  Lord,  "  And  then  shall  they  fast  in  those  days."  As  I 
was  unable  to  preach,  I  gave  an  exhortation  from  the  subject. 
I  find  that  very  small  rest,  when  joined  with  comfortable  ac- 
commodation, gives  me  great  strength  of  body :  by  this 
means  I  might  be  restored  ;  but  I  must  keep  moving.  I  was 
caught  in  a  heavy  thunderstorm,  from  which  I  took  cold,  and 
had  a  high  fever  and  headache  ;  I  rested  on  Friday,  at  Wil- 
liam Watters's.  Saturday,  rode  to  Alexandria.  Monday  and 
Tuesday,  rode  to  Baltimore. 

Maryland. —  Wednesday,  May  1.  We  opened  our  confer- 
ence, which  sat  four  days.  We  had  preaching  morning  and 
evening.    I  gave  a  short  exhortation  before  the  sacrament. 

Monday,  6.  We  rode  out  to  Greenwood,  Mr.  Rogers's 
country  seat,  who  told  me  that  when  I  was  past  labour,  there 
was  his  bouse  as  my  own.  We  asked  for  new  wine ;  but  find 
the  old  is  better  :  the  fermentation  is  done. 

Tuesday,  1.  We  rode  to  Gunpowder  Neck ;  I  only  ex- 
horted a  little,  then  went  on  to  the  bay  side. 

Wednesday,  8.  Tbe  wind  was  high ;  I  declined,  but  bro- 
ther Lee  waited,  and  crossed  in  an  hour.  I  rode  round,  and 
lodged  at  Josiah  Dallam's :  but  dear  Sally,  his  wife,  is  gone ! 
I  walked  to  her  grave. 

Thursday,  9.  I  had  a  disagreeable  passage  across  tbe  Sus- 
quehannah.  At  this  ferry,  recently,  three  poor  blacks  have 
been  drowned.  I  cannot  omit  relating  a  circumstance  which 
took  place  when  I  was  here  last.  A  very  large  negro  man, 
an  old  ferryman,  to  whom  I  talked  very  faithfully,  was 
drowned.  I  remember  to  have  told  him  that  if  he  did  not 
take  heed  and  repent,  he  might  be  drowned  and  damned  !  the 
former  is  certain  ;  tbe  latter  is  to  be  feared,  as  it  is  reported  the 
negroes  were  intoxicated.  Doctor  William  Dallam  escaped; 
and  what  is  remarkable,  the  boat  that  saved  bis  life,  was  made 
of  wood  taken  from  his  father's  plantation.  Thursday  even- 
ing I  came  to  Back  Creek  well  wearied. 

Friday,  1 0.  We  rode  to  Chestertown — went  to  meeting ; 
and  I  exhorted  a  little. 

Saturday,  11.  At  Churchill  church  brother  Lee  preached, 


Mat,  1799.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


413 


and  I  exhorted.  We  dined  at  Mr.  Cossey's,  and  rode  in  the 
evening  to  brother  Chair's. 

Whitsunday,  12.  At  Centreville,  after  brother  Lee  had 
preached,  I  feebly  exhorted  upon  "  Grieve  not  the  Holy  Spirit 
of  God."  We  administered  the  supper  of  the  Lord :  I  was 
weary  at  the  end.    I  lodged  at  Thomas  Wright's. 

Monday,  13.  At  Tuckahoe  a  multitude  attended;  my  ser- 
vices were  very  small. 

Tuesday,  14.  At  Easton  a  crowd  of  people  attended  ;  here 
I  could  say  but  very  little.  AVe  crossed  Dover  Ferry,  and 
rode  to  William  Frazer's,  in  Caroline  county ;  and  on  Wed- 
nesday 15,  held  meeting  in  his  dwelling  house. 

Thursday,  16.  At  Henry  Ennells's  I  could  only  gloss  upon 
those  gracious  words:  "Casting  all  your  care  upon  him,  for 
he  careth  for  you." 

Friday,  17.  I  attended  Cambridge  quarterly  meeting; 
which  was  held  in  a  barn:  I  commented  a  little  upon,  "We 
have  not  followed  cunningly  devised  fables."  Having  had 
but  little  rest  for  two  or  three  nights  past,  I  retired  with 
Bartholomew  Ennells,  and  went  on  the  way  to  Vienna,  to 
visit  Somerset.  I  rejoiced  that  Doctor  Edward  White  was 
standing  firm  in  the  grace  of  God ;  and  that  the  Lord  had 
blessed  the  souls  of  his  children. 

Saturday,  18.  It  rained  plentifully  until  ten  o'clock.  We 
crossed  at  Vienna :  it  was  very  bad  ferrying  ;  the  wind  being 
against  the  tide,  it  raised  high  swells  in  the  river.  I  came 
that  evening  to  Thomas  Garrettson's ;  we  had  a  very  serious 
congregation  at  Quantico  chapel ;  I  had  taken  cold  and  was 
very  unfit  to  speak  at  all.  We  came  to  Salisbury,  where  we 
rested  on  Monday.  Brother  Lee  preached  three  times. 
Here  I  got  bled. 

Tuesday,  21.  We  came  to  Annamessex.  My  horse  began 
to  sweat,  swell,  and  tremble — and  died  upon  the  road.  Bro- 
ther Levan  Moore  was  with  me :  we  put  his  horse  in  the 
sulky,  and  both  of  us  rode  to  Samuel  Smith's. 

Wednesday,  22.  I  borrowed  a  horse  of  Samuel  Smith,  and 
crossed  Poeomoke,  and  rode  to  Littleton  Long's,  where  T  gave 


414 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [June,  1799. 


an  exhortation  to  a  few  people.  It  was  a  very  extraordinary- 
legacy  of  a  living  friend  that  put  forty-five  dollars  into  my 
hands  ;  had  I  not  bought  a  coat  I  might  have  had  fifty  dollars 
in  my  pocket ;  it  would  have  been  a  wonder  for  me  to  have 
as  much  money  by  me ;  but  one  hundred  or  more  might  be 
needful  to  purchase  another  horse. 

Thursday,  23.  We  rode  to  Downing's,  where  I  gave  a 
short  exhortation,  and  on  Friday,  24,  we  came  to  John  Pur- 
nall's ;  he  is  gone  to  his  long  home.  Here  I  gave  up  my 
borrowed  horse,  and  the  only  alternative  was  to  put  brother 
Hardesty's  horse  in  the  sulky,  and  wedge  ourselves  with  all 
our  baggage  together.  We  rode  by  Frederick  Conner's,  and 
made  it  nearly  thirty  miles,  through  excessive  heat,  to  the 
widow  Bowen's. 

Delaware. — Sabbath,  26.  I  preached  at  the  chapel,  and 
rode  home  with  brother  Leister,  living  in  the  north  end  of 
Worcester  county.  This  day  we  enter  the  State  of  Delaware. 
I  have  had  great  dejection  of  mind,  and  awful  calculations  of 
what  may  be  and  what  may  never  be.  I  have  now  groaned 
along  three  hundred  miles  from  Baltimore. 

Monday,  27.  After  preaching  at  Johnson's  we  rode  to  the 
Sound,  and  lodged  at  Arthur  Williams's,  an  aged  Methodist 
preacher.    I  passed  the  night  in  great  affliction. 

Tuesday,  28.  AVe  came  on  to  Dagsborough  just  as  the  stage 
was  about  to  set  off  for  Milford.  I  paid  the  fare,  and  sent 
brother  Hardesty  along.  I  called  upon  William  Johnston,  a 
gracious  soul.  We  then  came  into  Milford  about  eight  o'clock, 
after  riding  forty-three  miles.    Here  I  rested  a  day. 

Thursday,  30.  I  must  needs  ride  twenty  miles  back  to 
Lewis,  principally  to  sec  the  people. 

Friday,  31.  Returned  back  to  Milford.  I  had  taken  cold. 
I  ordained  three  deacons  and  exhorted  a  little. 

Saturday,  June  1,  was  a  very  cold  day ;  we  rode  to  Dover  ; 
the  crowds  of  people  were  painful  to  me  ;  I  ordained  two  dea- 
cons ;  was  confined  in  meeting  four  hours,  and  attempted  to 
preach,  but  could  not. 

Sabbath  day,  2.  After  meeting.  T  rode  to  Duck  Creek  Cross 


Jomb,  1799.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


415 


Roads,  and  called  at  Doctor  Cook's  to  see  Thomas  White's 
children.  Doctor  Anderson,  Doctor  Rirlgely,  and  Doctor  Nead- 
ham  considered  my  case ;  they  advised  a  total  suspension 
from  preaching,  fearing  a  consumption  or  a  dropsy  in  the 
breast. 

Monday,  3.  I  ordained  one  person  at  the  Cross  Roads,  and 
another  at  Dickinson's  meeting-house.  I  dined  with  Mr.  Moore 
near  the  Appoquimamink  bridge,  and  then  rode  on  to  Wilming- 
ton ;  we  have  made  forty  miles  this  day.  What  with  labour 
and  fevers  my  rest  is  greatly  interrupted. 

Pennsylvania. — ■  Thursday,  6.  We  held  our  conference  in 
Philadelphia.  I  retired  each  night  to  the  JZayleworks,  upon 
Schuylkill,  at  Henry  Foxall's  solitary,  social  retreat.  The 
conference  was  large,  and  the  business  very  important.  Eze- 
kiel  Cooper  was  confirmed  in  his  appointment  by  me  as  our 
agent  in  the  book  concern. 

New-Jersey. —  Wednesday,  12.  After  the  rising  of  the  con- 
ference I  rode  to  Burlington  ;  and  on  Thursday  13,  to  Milford  ; 
on  Friday  to  Mr.  Drake's,  near  Amboy  ;  and  on  Saturday,  to 
New- York. 

New- York. — Sabbath  day,  16.  I  gave  a  short  exhortation 
in  the  John-street  church  ;  likewise  in  the  North  River  house. 
It  is  an  unseasonable  day  for  religion  ;  it  is  time  the  conference, 
should  come  ;  may  Almighty  God  bless  and  own  their  labours 
to  the  people! 

Wednesday,  19.  We  opened  our  conference  for  New- York, 
and  all  the  New-England  States. 

The  conference  was  crowded  with  work ;  consequently  I 
had  but  little  rest,  and  what  added  to  my  pain,  was  brother 
Bostick's  lying  sick  in  the  next  room :  heat  and  haste ! 

Sunday,  23.  We  had  a  charitable  day  at  all  the  houses, 
and  collected  nearly  three  hundred  dollars :  but  the  deficiencies 
of  the  preachers  were  almost  one  thousand  dollars.  I  attempt- 
ed to  preach  a  little  on  Phil,  iv,  19  ;  and  gave  an  exhortation 
at  the  Boweiy  church.  I  met  the  society  at  the  old  church 
at  night.  The  excessive  heat  made  us  wish  and  haste  to  leave 
town. 


416 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [July,  1799. 


Monday,  24.  Was  exceedingly  warm ;  we  rode  to  Sher- 
wood's ;  but  did  not  get  there  in  time  to  meet  our  appoint- 
ment. 

Tuesday,  25.  We  came  to  the  Plains. 

Wednesday,  26.  We  rode  about  thirty  miles ;  and  came  in 
about  ten  o'clock  at  night  to  Governor  Van  Courtlandt's,  whose 
wife  is  a  Shunamite  indeed. 

Thursday,  21.  We  toiled  through  the  rain  over  Peekskill 
mountains  to  Richard  Jackson's,  where  we  lodged,  about  eight 
miles  from  Poughkeepsie.  In  the  night  I  was  taken  with  a 
violent  pain  in  my  knee.  We  have  travelled  over  rough  roads, 
and  through  great  heat,  since  we  left  New- York,  about  one 
hundred  miles.  Feverish  and  full  of  pain  as  I  was,  I  attended 
meeting  and  gave  an  exhortation. 

Saturday,  29.  I  rode  through  heat,  twenty-five  miles,  to 
Rhinebeck  ;  the  pain  in  my  knee  subsided.  On  Sabbath  day 
I  preached  at  the  school  church  upon  "  Grace  be  with  all 
them  that  love  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ."  Brother  Lee  gave  a 
sermon  on  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit. 

Monday,  July  1.  I  rested.  My  health  is  somewhat  better. 
I  must  confess  I  never  felt  so  great  a  resolution  to  resign  the 
general  superintendency  as  I  do  now  ;  and  if  matters  do  not 
work  more  to  my  mind,  it  is  highly  probable  I  shall :  my 
prayers  and  counsel  will  be  turned  this  way  until  next  General 
Conference. 

Tuesday,  2.  I  visited  Mr.  Sands'  family  ;  and  on  Wednes- 
day breakfasted  with  Mrs.  Montgomery  at  her  beautiful  re- 
treat. Dined  at  Mrs.  Livingston's,  on  the  manor ;  an  aged, 
respectable  mother  of  many  children.  The  house,  the  gar- 
den, the  river  view — all  might  afford  much  painting  for  the 
pen  of  a  Hervey.  Brother  Garrettson  and  his  agreeable  wife 
attended  us. 

Thursday,  4.  We  rode  twenty  miles  to  what  is  called 
Hudson  City  ;  a  mere  blank. 

Friday,  5.  Excessively  warm :  we  stopped  at  Kinderhook, 
and  at  Miller's,  time  enough  to  hide  from  a  heavy  gust ;  we 
then  came  on  to  Albany  :  we  have  ridden  thirty-five  miles 


Jcly,  1799.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


417 


this  day.  I  received  a  healing  letter  from  T.  M.  ;  but  mat- 
ters will  not  easily  be  done  away  with  me  :  if  it  were  one  or 
two  only  that  were  concerned,  it  would  be  but  little ;  but  it 
is  hundreds,  yea,  thousands  of  travelling  and  local  preachers 
and  official  men  ;  and  thousands  of  people  also. 

Saturday,  6.  I  was  awakened  at  twelve  o'clock  exceedingly 
sick,  and  totally  disabled  for  public  service ;  I  was  not  able 
to  sit  up  until  six  o'clock  in  the  evening.  I  rode  two  miles 
out  of  the  city,  to  Mr.  Marks's. 

Monday,  8.  Rode  to  Coeyman's  landing ;  and  then  to  the 
stone  chapel ;  here  we  have  the  good  news  of  souls  converted 
at  prayer-meeting.  Rode  in  the  rain  and  damp  six  miles  to 
brother  Blodgett's,  upon  Hocketuck,  in  Albany  county  and 
circuit ;  here  also  I  found  the  labours  of  Anning  Owens  had 
been  blessed  in  the  awakening  of  some  young  women.  Our 
congregation  was  large :  I  gave  an  exhortation  and  a  prayer 
in  much  weakness  of  body.  We  rode  back  the  same  evening 
a  few  miles  to  father  Waldron's. 

Wednesday,  10.  I  rose  at  five  o'clock,  very  unwell;  but 
must  needs  ride  in  the  heat  and  dust,  over  hills  and  rocks, 
thirty-five  miles,  and  came  to  Crawford's  and  Dillon's  about 
four  o'clock :  weaiy  as  I  was,  I  could  not  feel  satisfied  with- 
out prayer  and  exhortation.  We  have  ridden  in  three  days 
upwards  of  sixty  miles,  and  held  a  meeting  each  day. 

Thursday,  11.  We  rode  nine  miles  to  Cockburn's,  in 
Ulster  county :  here  I  gave  a  small  exhortation  to  a  small 
congregation  ;  it  was  a  day  of  small  things ;  but  it  may  not 
be  so  always. 

Friday,  12.  I  rode  fifteen  miles  to  Hurley,  and  stopped  at 
Cornelius  Cole's ;  no  appointments  had  been  made ;  but  we 
called  a  meeting  in  the  evening.  I  rested  on  Saturday,  13, 
at  Marbletown. 

Sabbath  day,  14.  1  was  very  unwell,  and  the  day  was  very 
warm.  I  made  an  attempt  to  preach  on  Matt,  xxv,  34-4G  ; 
a  marble-hearted  congregation  as  well  as  Marbletown ;  and 
probably  will  remain  so  whilst  the  love  of  the  world  pre- 
dominates: family  prayer,  class-meetings,  and  prayer-meetings, 


i  1  8 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [July,  1*799. 


are  neglected.  Brother  Lee  preached  at  Hurley  in  the  even- 
ing, and  I  gave  a  closing  exhortation. 

Monday,  15.  We  rode  through  dust  and  heat,  without  re- 
freshment, twenty-five  miles  to  Degoes ;  here  the  people  of 
the  house  seemed  all  soul ;  we  could  not  leave  the  place  until 
we  had  called  a  meeting. 

Tuesday,  16.  We  rode  fifteen  miles  to  Samuel  Fowler's, 
and  dined  :  we  then  rode  on  to  meet  my  appointment  at  Mr. 
Ellison's. 

Wednesday,  IV.  Jesse  Lee  gave  an  awakening  discourse 
from  1  Cor.  xv,  58. 

Thursday,  18.  We  rode  over  hills  and  rocks,  through  heat, 
and  with  hunger,  twenty-eight  miles,  without  stopping  until 
we  came  to  Leizier's,  near  the  Jersey  line,  Orange  county. 
We  have  travelled  and  toiled  nearly  four  hundred  miles 
through  this  State  :  weary  as  I  was,  I  must  needs  ride  five 
miles  farther  to  Nicholas  Simonson's,  where  I  was  comfortably 
entertained. 

New- Jersey. — Friday,  19.  We  came  on  to  Sussex  court- 
house ;  dined,  and  pushed  on  to  father  Freeman's — no  ap- 
pointments. At  night  I  was  taken  with  great  distress  in  my 
bowels,  which  held  me  two  nights  and  a  day. 

Saturday,  20.  I  rode  in  great  pain  and  heat,  hungry  and 
sick,  twenty-five  miles,  to  Mr.  M'Collock's :  how  welcome  a 
good  house,  kind  friends,  and  a  cold  day  !  What  is  the  cause 
of  my  affliction  ?  Is  it  the  water,  or  the  weather,  or  my 
bilious  habit  ?    I  am  at  a  loss  to  know. 

Sabbath  day,  21.  At  Colonel  M'Collock's.  Having  been 
so  unwell  for  some  days  past,  it  was  enough  for  me  to  exhort 
a  little  after  Jesse  Lee  had  given  them  two  sermons.  I  was 
visited  in  the  evening  by  John  Hannah,  an  aged,  social,  Pres- 
byterian minister. 

Monday,  22.  I  rose  to  ride  to  James  Bryan's,  Bucks  county, 
Laycock  township,  Pennsylvania.  We  followed  Miskineeco 
Creek  to  the  mouth ;  we  had  traced  the  head  branches  of  it 
already  ;  it  is  a  most  beautiful,  useful  stream,  running  through 
a  rich  vale  into  Delaware  River,  at  Hunt's  ferry.  The 


Aug.,  1709.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


419 


weather  is  warm,  and  the  roads  uneven ;  we  had  a  journey 
of  about  thirty  miles.  We  have  travelled  about  sixty-five 
miles  through  Jersey,  and  about  five  hundred  in  a  month. 

Pennsylvania. —  Wednesday,  24.  We  rose  at  three  o'clock 
in  the  morning,  and  began  our  journey  at  five,  over  ridges  and 
rocks,  twenty-eight  miles  to  Pottsgrove.  We  did  not  eat  until 
we  came  to  Coventry.  Thirty-six  miles  is  the  amount  of  this 
day's  journey.    0  heat,  drought,  and  dust ! 

Thursday,  25.  We  had  a  most  dreadful  time  over  the 
mountains  to  the  forest  chapel ;  here  we  found  the  people 
much  engaged  in  religion ;  this  was  a  balm  for  every  sore. 
We  dined  at  Kerbury's  and  lodged  at  Abraham  Lewis's. 

Friday,  26.  We  rode  twenty  miles  to  New  Holland,  and 
had  a  sample  of  bad  roads  for  a  sulky.  Here  some  souls 
have  been  brought  to  Christ.  I  was  exceedingly  spent  for 
want  of  sleep  and  rest.  After  five  o'clock  we  rode  with  elder 
Ware  towards  Strasburg ;  night  came  on  and  left  me  two 
miles  from  the  place  in  the  woods — in  darkling  shades,  a  new 
cut  road,  and  stumpy  path.  We  came  in  about  nine  o'clock, 
having  ridden  twelve  miles.    Thank  the  Lord  for  whole  bones  ! 

Sabbath  day,  28.  There  was  preaching  in  Thomas  Ware's 
orchard,  in  Strasburg ;  we  had  the  respectables  of  the  town, 
and  a  large  assembly.  This  place  contains,  I  judge,  between 
sixty  and  seventy  dwelling  houses. 

Monday,  29.  I  visited  Jacob  Boehm's  ;  God  hath  begun 
to  bless  the  children  of  this  family.  The  parents  have  fol- 
lowed us  nearly  the  space  of  twenty  years. 

Tuesday,  30.  We  had  a  serious  earthquake  at  five  o'clock ; 
the  earth  is  growing  old  ;  it  groans  and  trembles  ;  which  is 
the  necessary  consequence  of  "  palsied  eld."  I  visited  John 
Miller's  ;  thence  we  rode  six  miles  to  Martin  Boehm's. 

Wednesday,  31.  We  had  a  comfortable  meeting  at  Boehm's 
church.  Here  lieth  the  dust  of  William  Jessop  and  Michael 
R.  Wilson.  I  feebly  attempted  a  discourse  upon  Heb.  vi,  12. 
In  the  evening  we  rode  to  Abraham  Cagy's,  near  the  mouth 
of  Pagan  Creek. 

Thursday,  August  1.  After  a  suspension  of  rain  in  some 


420 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Aug.,  1799. 


parts,  for  two,  four,  six,  and  eight  weeks,  we  had  a  gracious, 
moderate  rain  :  on  Friday,  the  rain  continued  quickening,  and 
thus  saving  the  latter  fruits  of  the  earth.  I  rode  to  Mrs. 
Elizabeth  Wright's.  We  crossed  Canastoga  at  the  mouth 
of  Little  Canastoga ;  we  had  a  very  uneven  path.  Mrs. 
Wright's  family  are  blessed — all  the  children  profess  religion 
— father  and  daughter  have  died  in  the  Lord.  Our  friends 
followed  us  from  Paqua.  Martin  Boehm  is  all  upon  wings 
and  springs  since  the  Lord  hath  blessed  his  grandchildren ; 
his  son  Henry  is  greatly  led  out  in  public  exercises. 

Saturday,  3.  We  rode  to  Columbia,  formerly  called  Wright 
Ferry.  The  excessive  warmth  of  the  sun  in  crossing  the  wa- 
ter made  me  sick.  We  stopped  at  Drinnon's  ;  here  we  met 
Seely  Bunn ;  he  had  very  late  notice  of  our  coming  on  Sab- 
hath  day.  Seely  Bunn  preached  in  Little  York,  and  Jesse 
Lee  in  the  evening.  I  gave  a  short  exhortation.  Twenty 
miles  made  our  Saturday's  ride. 

Monday,  5.  We  set  off  for  Maryland :  I  rode  thirteen  miles, 
and  had  my  horse  fed  and  shod.  We  continued  on  and  dined 
at  Littlestown,  twenty-five  miles,  well  spent  with  heat,  hunger, 
and  thirst.  We  then  rode  on  ten  miles  to  Tauny  Town :  the 
inhabitants  here,  and  hereabouts,  are  chiefly  Germans  and 
Romans.  We  crossed  the  Maryland  line,  and  lodged  at 
Bentley's.  Next  morning  we  rode  on  to  Jeremiah  Browning's, 
seventeen  miles,  before  we  breakfasted. 

Maryland. — It  may  suffice  to  say  my  mind  hath  been  kept 
in  great  peace ;  but  I  have  been  greatly  afflicted  and  de- 
jected with  pain  and  labour.  We  have  visited  six  districts 
since  the  sitting  of  the  Baltimore  conference ;  and  in  four  out 
of  six  there  is  a  happy  revival  of  religion ;  on  the  eastern 
shore — in  Jersey — Albany — and  Pennsylvania:  and  we  hear 
a  rumour  of  a  revival  in  the  northern  district  of  Virginia. 

We  attempted  a  meeting  at  Lewis  Bronining's,  at  his  mill 
near  Woodsbury.  In  the  evening  we  rode  to  Liberty,  and 
lodged  at  Daniel  Dorsey's.  0,  heat !  heat !  We  have  ridden 
twelve  miles  this  day. 

Thursday,  8.  We  held  a  meeting  in  the  woods  near  Liberty ; 


Aug.,  1799.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


421 


the  houses  were  not  large  enough  for  our  congregation.  I 
visited  Eli  Dorse)',  and  saw  the  children  of  my  dear  nurse, 
Sarah  Dorsey,  and  the  place  where  her  dust  is  deposited 
until  the  resurrection ;  0,  once  lovely  features  of  body  and 
mind  !  but  above  all  her  triumphant  death  ! 

Friday,  9.  I  came  eight  miles  to  Edward  Owings's,  where 
I  received  every  mark  of  affection  I  could  desire. 

Saturday,  10.  We  rode  to  Stephen  Shermardine's :  it  was 
well  we  had  a  short  ride  of  four  miles,  the  weather  being  so 
excessively  warm.    Here  we  were  treated  kindly. 

Sahhath  day,  11.  We  had  a  meeting  at  Fredericktown.  I 
exhorted  a  little  at  every  one  of  the  above  places. 

We  rode  over  the  Catoctin  Mountain  to  Samuel  Philips's, 
to  see  his  dear  wife,  who  was  very  low.  The  people  came 
together,  and  John  Potts  gave  them  a  sermon.  It  was  but 
little  I  could  give  them. 

Monday,  12.  We  rode  to  Joseph  Howard's,  upon  Carroll's 
manor,  where  we  had  a  comfortable  meeting. 

Virginia. —  Tuesday,  13.  We  crossed  the  Potomac  at 
Noland's  ferry  ;  the  river  was  so  low  that  those  on  horseback 
forded  it.  I  came  over  with  the  carriage  in  the  flat.  I  think 
of  nothing  less  than  the  resignation  of  my  office  of  superin- 
tendent at  the  general  conference. 

Wednesday,  14.  We  had  a  full  meeting  at  Leesburg  ; 
many  of  the  brethren  and  sisters  from  societies  in  the  country 
attended  ;  it  was  the  time  of  court.  A  company  of  .soldiers 
collecting  attended  in  good  order. 

Thursday,  15.  We  rode  twenty-eight  miles  to  Charles- 
town.  We  had  a  very  rocky,  uneven  road.  We  stopped  at 
Key's  ferry,  and  were  kindly  entertained.  Friday,  at  eleven 
o'clock,  we  held  a  meeting  in  Charlestown,  and  then  rode  on 
eighteen  miles  to  Millborough. 

Saturday,  17.  We  had  a  comfortable  rain  ;  after  which 
we  rode  on  four  miles  to  Winchester.  Sabbath  day  we  held 
meeting,  and  were  about  five  hours  in  love-feast,  preaching, 
sacrament,  and  exhortation.  1  rode  home  with  John  B.  Til- 
den,  seven  miles  from  town. 


422 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Sept.,  1799. 


Monday,  19.  We  rode  to  Stephensburgh ;  here  Ave  held 
meeting.  Tuesday  and  Wednesday,  20,  21,  it  rained.  We 
could  not  be  more  welcome  at  any  place,  or  more  richly  ac- 
commodated than  we  were  at  Elijah  Phelps's. 

Thursday,  22.  We  rode  fifteen  miles  to  Lewistown,  where 
we  dined,  and  then  rode  on  to  Pinnell's.  0,  the  rocks,  ridges, 
and  gutters  we  had  to  cross  at  Chester's  Gap  !  I  would 
prefer  riding  two  hundred  miles  upon  the  lowlands  than  se- 
venty to  Henry  Frye's,  in  Madison. 

Friday,  23.  We  rode  twenty  miles  and  dined.  We  passed 
Culpepper  court-house,  and  came  within  four  miles  of  Henry 
Frye's,  and  stopped  at  a  tavern,  after  riding  in  great  heat  and 
haste.  I  was  sick  :  from  hard  labour,  want  of  rest,  and  want 
of  coffee,  my  stomach  and  bowels  were  greatly  agitated.  I 
need  much  faith  and  good  water. 

Saturday,  24.  We  landed  at  the  mansion,  upon  the  banks 
of  Robertson.  Henry  Frye  may  console  himself  with  the  last 
words  of  David,  2  Sam.  xxiii,  1—7.  I  obtained  an  extract 
from  Whitby  on  the  Episcopacy  of  the  Early  Ages  of  the 
Christian  Church. 

Sunday,  25.  We  preached  at  the  Springs  to  about  one 
hundred  attentive  people.  I  took  a  bad  cold,  and  was  very 
unwell. 

Monday,  26.  We  rode  between  thirty  and  forty  miles  to 
John  Lasley's. 

Tuesday,  27.  We  had  a  crowded  audience  at  the  chapel : 
likewise  at  M'Gee's,  on  Wednesday  ;  on  which  day  I  rode 
twenty  miles,  and  lodged  at  Richard  Ferguson's.  Thursday, 
at  a  new  house  in  the  woods,  I  preached  on  Psalm  lxxxiv,  8  ; 
and  on  Friday,  30,  I  rode  eighteen  miles  to  Hezekiah 
Arnold's. 

Saturday,  31,  and  Sunday,  September  1.  1  attended  quar- 
terly meeting  at  Dcvenport's  meeting-house  ;  and  we  had 
large  congregations  each  day ;  there  was  a  shouting  among 
the  people.  I  attempted  to  preach  upon  Hosea  xiv,  4. 
After  meeting  I  was  invited  to  spend  a  night  at  Colonel 
Fountain's. 


Sept.,  1799.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


423 


Monday,  2.  At  Beaver  Creek  meeting-house  we  had  a 
lively  time.  I  have  travelled,  since  I  came  into  Virginia, 
through  Louden,  Berkley,  Frederick,  Shenandoah,  Culpepper, 
Madison,  Orange,  Louisa,  and  Hanover  counties. 

Wednesday,  4.  We  came  to  Richmond.  Since  Friday 
week  we  have  travelled  two  hundred  miles  ;  to  which  we 
may  add  the  labour  of  our  meetings — in  common  three 
hours  long,  and  sometimes  longer. 

James  O'Kelly  hath  sent  out  another  pamphlet,  and  pro- 
pounded terms  of  union  himself,  for  the  Presbyterians,  Bap- 
tists, and  Methodists.  The  Presbyterians  must  give  up  their 
confession  of  faith.  The  Baptists,  if  they  open  a  more  cha- 
ritable door,  adult  dipping.  The  Methodists  must  give  up  the 
episcopacy,  and  form  of  discipline ;  renounce  the  articles  of 
their  religion,  and  the  doctrine  of  the  Trinity.  I  ask  in  turn, 
what  will  James  give  up  ?  His  Unitarian  errors  ?  Did  he 
think  the  Protestant  Episcopalians  beneath  his  notice  ?  I  am 
now  more  fully  satisfied  than  ever  that  his  book  is  not  worthy 
of  an  answer. 

Sunday,  8.  I  left  my  retreat  at  John  Ellis's ; — a  most 
agreeable,  social,  solitary  situation,  within  two  miles  of  Rich- 
mond. I  would  have  preached  within  the  walls  of  our  new 
house  at  Richmond,  but  the  excessive  rain  we  have  had  of 
late  prevented  ;  I  was  closed  up  in  an  upper  room.  My  sub- 
ject at  Manchester,  was  2  Tim.  ii,  19. 

Monday,  9.  We  rode  twelve  miles  to  Falling  Creek  church, 
where  I  spoke  from  Rom.  v,  12.  There  is  some  small  stir 
about  religion  here. 

Tuesday,  10.  We  rode  twelve  miles  to  Godfrey's,  an  aged 
man  that  stood  alone  when  'Mr.  O'Kelly  made  a  rent  in  the 
society.  God  hath  blessed  our  labours  here ;  several  souls, 
with  his  own  children,  are  now  brought  to  God.  My  subject 
here  was  1  John  i,  G,  7. 

Wednesday,  11.  At  Maxey's,  my  foundation  was  Matt, 
vi,  G.  I  observed,  First,  What  things  we  are  directed  to 
pray  for :  Secondly,  The  rules  to  be  attended  to  in  prayer — 
the  precepts  and  example  of  Christ  and  the  saints:  Thirdly, 


424 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Sept.,  1799. 


The  promise :  "  Your  Father  that  seeth  in  secret,  shall  re- 
ward you  openly." 

I  put  a  blister  upon  my  breast.  Brother  Whatcoat  preached 
at  Charity  chapel,  where  we  administered  the  sacrament. 
We  went  home  with  John  Hobson,  and  were  treated  with 
every  mark  of  kindness  we  could  desire.  On  Friday  I 
preached  at  Smith's  church,  dined  at  Robert  Smith's,  and 
then  rode  on,  in  a  very  warm  and  dry  day,  twenty-six 
miles,  to  Daniel  Guerrant's,  and  came  in  a  little  after  eight 
o'clock  in  the  evening.  I  have  stretched  along  through  Ches- 
terfield, Powhatan,  Cumberland,  Buckingham,  into  Prince 
Edward  county ;  and  this  whilst  enduring  a  raw  and  running- 
blister  upon  my  breast,  excessive  heat,  and  with  very  little 
rest  by  night  or  by  day :  I  would  not  live  always :  weary 
world  !  when  will  it  end  ? 

Saturday,  14.  At  Lackland's  meeting-house  I  preached  on 
2  Peter  ii,  17,  18.  And  on  Sabbath  day  on  Psalm  cii,  11-14. 
I  felt  some  special  assistance.  I  lodged  at  mother  Lackland's. 
The  weather  was  very  close  and  warm.  On  Monday  we  had 
a  curious  ride  about  the  hills  of  Appomatox  river,  to  Robert 
Martin's,  eight  miles. 

Tuesday,  17.  We  rode  twenty  miles  to  Mount  Pleasant.  I 
put  a  blister  in  the  morning  to  my  breast ; — but  I  must  go  to 
meeting  and  preach.  Why  ?  because  the  Presbyterian  min- 
ister and  some  of  his  flock  came  to  hear  me  :  my  subject  was 
Zech.  xii,  10. 

Thursday,  19.  We  rode  twelve  miles  to  William  Spencer's, 
and  had  a  comfortable  meeting  in  his  school-house ;  he  keeps 
a  Christian  school. 

Friday,  20.  We  came  fifteen  miles  to  John  Spencer's,  near 
Charlotte  court-house.  We  have  felt  great  spiritual  affection 
and  fellowship  in  our  meetings  this  week.  Richard  Whatcoat 
attended  us  through  the  district,  with  a  very  sore  leg ;  and 
myself  had  a  sore  breast  inside  and  out. 

Saturday,  21.  I  rested  at  my  hospitable  home,  that  hath 
been  so  these  twenty  years,  in  Colonel  Bedford's  day,  and 
now  in  John  Spencer's :  these  people  have  not  turned  me  out 


Sept.,  1799.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


425 


of  doors,  by  separation,  defamation,  or  reproach ;  they  have 
made  no  such  return  for  my  love  and  labours,  although  some 
have  done  it.  I  could  not  be  quite  idle :  I  read  over  one 
number  of  my  journal,  and  wrote  a  few  letters. 

Sabbath  day,  22.  I  had  thoughts  of  staying  at  home,  as 
there  were  no  less  than  eight  preachers  at  the  quarterly 
meeting  at  Taply's  ;  however  I  concluded  to  go.  I  gave  an 
exhortation,  and  returned  the  same  evening  :  our  meeting  was 
held  in  a  dead  place  ;  yet  we  had  a  lively  time. 

Monday,  23.  I  crossed  Stanton  River,  and  rode  into  Hali- 
fax county  ;  we  made  it  thirty  miles  to  Hawkins  Landrum's. 
Tuesday  we  had  a  large  congregation  and  an  affecting  time 
upon  the  banks  of  Banister  River :  here  I  saw  only  two 
persons  that  I  was  acquainted  with  twenty  years  ago — 
they  were  brother  Baker  and  his  wife.  I  lodged  at  Robert 
Chapel's. 

Wednesday,  25.  We  rode  to  Armistead  Shelton's,  in  Pitt- 
sylvania, twenty  miles :  we  stopped  to  dine,  pray,  and  feed 
our  horses,  at  Clement  M'Daniel's  ;  the  roads  were  much 
broken  in  some  places,  and  it  was  as  much  as  we  could  per- 
form to  reach  Shelton's  by  sunset.  My  mind  is  calm — my 
body  in  better  health. 

Thursday,  26.  A  congregation  of  from  three  to  five  hun- 
dred attended  Divine  worship  :  religion  declines  in  this 
society  ;  we  advised  close  class-meetings,  week-day  prayer- 
meetings,  with  fasting  or  abstinence.  On  Friday  we  rode 
twelve  miles  to  Carter's,  where  a  large  company  attended  ; 
my  subject  was,  "  "What  shall  the  end  be  of  them  that  obey 
not  the  Gospel  of  God  ?" 

Saturday,  28.  We  had  to  travel  a  most  uneven  path  up 
Sandy  River  to  George  Adams',  twenty  miles.  Sunday,  29. 
I  attended  at  Watson's  meeting-house,  and  preached  from 
Zephaniah  iii,  12,  13.  I  was  much  assisted,  and  much  wea- 
ried by  the  time  I  had  baptized  several  children.  I  visited 
our  brethren,  Trahan  and  Church,  from  Maryland,  who  have 
been  Methodists  for  twenty-five  years,  and  still  not  weary  in 
well-doing. 


4  '2  8 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1799. 


North  Carolina. — We  crossed  Dan  River  at  Perkin's  ferry, 
entering  North  Carolina,  and  came  to  John  Harris's  in  Rock- 
ingham county, — pious  souls  from  Dorset  in  Maryland. 

By  resting  at  times  in  this  solitary,  country  life,  I  have  my 
health  better;  whilst  I  am,  in  some  degree,  free  from  the 
knowledge  and  care  of  the  Church  at  large.  On  Tuesday,  at 
Smith's  meeting-house,  I  gave  a  short  discourse  on  Heb. 
iii,  12,  13.  We  dined  at  Martin's,  and  then  came  on  to  father 
Low's :  we  have  ridden  but  eight  miles  this  day. 

At  Low's  meeting-house  a  large  congregation  attended ;  I 
spoke  upon  Isa.  xl,  1.  The  heat  was  very  painful.  I  suppose 
we  congregate  from  three  to  six  thousand  souls  weekly ;  thus, 
if  no  more,  I  can  say  that  my  travelling  hath  brought  thou- 
sands to  hear  the  Gospel,  who,  probably,  would  not  otherwise 
have  heard  it. 

Thursday,  October  3.  We  rode  twelve  miles  to  Covey's  in 
Guilford  county ;  I  thought  it  best  to  decline  preaching  for  a 
few  days. 

Friday,  4.  We  rode  twelve  miles  to  Mrs.  Campbell's,  upon 
the  south  fork  of  Haw  River.  We  had  to  work  our  way 
through  the  woods.  Saturday  and  Sunday,  I  attended  quar- 
terly meeting  at  Bethel,  upon  Belew's  Creek,  where  I  ordain- 
ed five  deacons,  and  preached  from  1  Tim.  vi,  11,  12  :  we  had 
a  gracious  time.  We  have  ridden  only  twenty  miles  in  two 
days.    I  lodged  at  M'Daniel's. 

Monday,  7.  We  rode  through  Stokes  county,  and  attended 
meeting  at  Love's  church,  which  has  glass  windows,  and  a 
yard  fenced  in.  After  Jesse  Lee,  I  added  a  few  words  on 
Heb.  ii,  1.  We  then  came  up  to  William  Jean's,  near  the  Mo- 
ravian Old  town.  We  have  ridden  nearly  twenty  miles  this 
day.  Sitting  in  meeting  so  many  hours  among  such  a  multi- 
tude of  people,  and  frequently  with  a  blister  on  my  breast, 
with  the  difficulties  of  driving  along  broken  paths,  cause  me 
to  be  variously  tried  and  comforted. 

Tuesday,  8.  We  held  meeting,  and  had  a  multitude  of  Ger- 
mans present.    I  improved  a  little  upon  2  Cor.  v,  13,  14. 

Wednesday,  9.  We  rode  through  Salem ;  here  they  have 


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•127 


lately  built  a  very  grand  church.  The  day  was  cloudy ;  the 
rain  began  to  fall  upon  us  about  a  mile  from  Captain  Mark- 
land's,  on  Muddy  Creek,  where  we  came  after  riding  seven- 
teen miles. 

Thursday,  10.  Close  housed  ;  about  twelve  souls  attended, 
notwithstanding  it  rained  powerfully,  to  whom  I  lectured  on 
Heb.  xii,  1-4.  I  had  an  interview  with  Samuel  Kenmish, 
the  Moravian  minister,  and  visited  him.  Friday,  11.  At 
M'Knight's ;  a  very  uncomfortable  day :  thence  we  rode  on 
to  Hardy  Jones's,  fifteen  miles. 

Saturday,  12.  I  said  but  little  at  the  Academical  school- 
house,  now  a  house  for  God.  I  went  to  see  Charles  Clayton 
and  wife,  who  were  sick. 

Sabbath  day,  13.  Rode  thirteen  miles  to  Whitaker's  church, 
where  I  gave  a  short  sermon,  on,  "  Casting  all  your  care  upon 
Him,  for  he  careth  for  you."    I  was  both  sick  and  tired. 

Monday,  14.  We  came  to  Shadrach  Dial's,  from  Delaware, 
near  Choptank,  who  in  his  younger  days  attended  my  ministry 
to  advantage.  I  feel,  in  general,  great  weakness  of  body,  but 
great  confidence  in  God,  and  constant  and  near  access  by 
prayer.  We  are  now  upon  Cedar  and  Dutchman's  Creeks, 
in  Rowan  county. 

Tuesday,  15.  It  rained  and  we  rested.  On  Wednesday 
we  came,  twelve  miles,  to  Beal's  chapel,  where,  after  Jesse 
Lee  had  discoursed  upon  the  word  of  the  Lord  as  a  fire  and 
a  hammer,  I  added  a  few  words  on  "  Take  heed  how  ye  hear," 
whom  ye  hear,  what  doctrine  ye  hear ;  hear  in  faith,  with  prayer, 
with  application,  \ipon  all  the  truths  of  God.  We  dined,  and 
then  hasted  on  eight  miles  to  Prather's,  in  Iredell  county. 
Directly  after  crossing  Hunting  Creek,  a  little  circumstance 
took  place,  which,  if  it  had  happened  in  the  creek,  might  have 
been  attended  with  some  disagreeable  consequences ;  it  was 
caused  by  one  of  the  hooks  of  the  swingle-tree  giving  way. 

At  Basil  Prather's  chapel,  I  gave  my  thoughts  upon  "  Ever 
learning,  and  never  able  to  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the 
truth  :"  I  fear  this  will  be  the  case  with  many  souls. 

Thursday,  17.  We  came  up  the  ridges,  between  Rocky  and 


428 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1799. 


Hunting  Creeks,  eight  miles,  to  John  Templeton's ;  over  a 
path  no  sulky  ever  went  before ;  my  testimony  was  founded 
upon  James  iv,  2,  3. 

Friday,  18.  We  had  a  very  uneasy  ride  of  fifteen  miles,  on 
the  borders  of  Surry  county,  over  to  Doctor  Brown's,  in  Wilkes 
county.  I  feel  my  mind  in  great  peace  and  resignation,  both 
as  it  respects  the  Church  of  God,  and  my  own  soul.  The 
Presbyterians  here  are  much  more  friendly  with  the  Methodists 
now  than  formerly  :  I  dare  not  say  it  is  policy ;  it  may  be  piety. 

Saturday,  19.  We  rode  through  a  damp,  and,  in  the  end,  a 
rainy  day,  twenty  miles  to  George  Gordon's,  near  Wilkes  court- 
house :  we  crossed  and  recrossed  the  Yadkin  River. 

Sunday,  20.  This  is  my  American  birth-day ;  I  have  now 
passed  twenty-eight  years  upon  this  continent.  Do  I  wish  to 
live  them  over  again  ?  By  no  means :  I  doubt  if  I  could 
mend  it  in  my  weakness  and  old  age ;  I  could  not  come  up  to 
what  I  have  done ;  I  should  be  dispirited  at  what  would  be 
presented  before  me. 

Monday,  21.  We  came  eight  miles  to  William  Trible's. 
We  had  an  open  time  at  a  barren  place,  and  I  felt  Divine  aid 
in  a  short  improvement  on  Gal.  ii,  19,  20. 

Tuesday,  22.  We  had  a  serious,  laborious  ride  of  thirty 
miles,  to  William  White's,  Esquire,  upon  Johns  River,  Burke 
county.  In  this  route  we  had  to  cross  the  Yadkin  ten  times  ; 
Elk  and  Buffalo,  each  twice.  Twenty  miles  of  the  path  were 
good  ;  ten  miles  uneven,  with  short  hills,  stumps,  sideling 
banks,  and  deep  ruts.  I  have  renewed  my  acquaintance  with 
these  rivers ;  they  afford  valuable  levels,  with  rising  hills  and 
high  mountains  on  each  side.  The  prospect  is  elegantly  va- 
riegated. Here  are  grand  heights,  and  there  Indian  corn 
adorns  the  vales.  The  water  flows  admirably  clear,  mur- 
muring through  the  rocks,  and  in  the  rich  lands,  gently 
gliding  deep  and  silent  between  its  verdant  banks :  and  to 
all  this  may  be  added  pure  air. 

Wednesday  and  Thursday,  23,  24.  Our  quarterly  meeting 
was  held  at  William  White's,  Esquire,  and  grand  patriarch  of 
this  settlement,  whose  family  of  children,  grandchildren,  &c, 


Oct.,  1*799.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


429 


are  numerous,  and  extensively  established  here.  Jesse  Lee 
sermonized  each  day.  My  discourse  the  first  day  was,  1  Tim. 
iv,  12-16  :  Let  no  man  despise  thy  youth.  I.  That  Timothy 
should  be  exemplary  to  believers,  in  his  words,  which  formed 
his  conversation  ;  at  all  times,  and  upon  all  subjects, — he  that 
offendeth  not  with  his  tongue  is  a  perfect  man :  in  charity, 
love,  and  beneficence :  in  spirit,  the  spirit  of  his  mind  and 
temper ;  purity  of  heart  and  intention :  in  faith  ;  justifying, 
persevering  faith;  confidence  in  the  sure  promises  and  pro- 
phecies of  God's  word :  attendance  to  reading ;  the  word  of 
God  in  the  church,  in  families,  in  the  closet :  exhortation  ; 
as  a  gift  of  God,  in  which  some  excel :  doctrine  ;  the  grand 
doctrines  of  the  gospel — man's  original  rectitude — his  fall — 
the  atonement — repentance — justification — sanctification — the 
resurrection — the  last  judgment,  and  final  rewards  and  pun- 
ishments. The  gift  that  is  in  thee  by  prophecy  ;  it  is  proba- 
ble, some  person,  seeing  the  piety  and  simplicity  of  Timothy, 
had  been  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost  to  prophesy  that  he 
would  be  a  faithful  minister  of  Christ ; — the  laying  on  of  the 
hands  of  the  presbytery.  The  eldership — here  the  apostle 
mentioneth  the  eldership  ;  and  in  the  first  chapter  of  the  second 
epistle,  sixth  verse,  the  laying  on  or  putting  on  of  his  own 
hands  upon  Timothy.  That  Timothy  and  Titus  were  apos- 
tles, and  exercised  episcopal  powers,  is  plain :  they  were  in- 
structed concerning  bishops,  elders,  and  deacons,  what 
characters  they  should  be.  Titus  was  left  in  Crete,  and  di- 
rected to  ordain  elders  in  every  city.  Meditate  upon  these 
things:  ministers  should  be  men  of  much  meditation  and 
prayer ;  men  of  contemplative  minds,  and  ready  to  give  up 
their  mental  and  bodily  powers  wholly  to  the  work  of  the 
Lord.  That  thy  profiting  may  appear  to  all  men — in  all 
things  belonging  to  thy  ministerial  and  Christian  calling.  The 
second  day  of  the  quarterly  meeting  I  exhorted. 

Friday,  25.  We  had  to  cross  and  recross  the  Johns  River, 
and  man  it  over  the  hills.  I  came  to  Connelly's,  twenty-five 
miles,  and  dined  about  five  o'clock.  I  saw  a  natural  curiosity 
in  the  mountains : — an  old  trunk  of  a  poplar  had  fallen,  and 


430 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1799. 


four  limbs  of  it  had  taken  root  at  proper  distances  from  each 
other,  and  had  grown  to  be  large  trees — from  fifty  to  sixty- 
feet  high,  and  eighteen  inches  in  diameter. 

Saturday,  26.  I  stayed  at  the  house,  to  read,  write,  and 
plan  a  little.  I  tremble  and  faint  under  my  burden  : — having 
to  ride  about  six  thousand  miles  annually  ;  to  preach  from 
three  to  five  hundred  sermons  a  year ;  to  write  and  read  so 
many  letters,  and  read  many  more  : — all  this  and  more,  be- 
sides the  stationing  of  three  hundred  preachers ;  reading 
many  hundred  pages ;  and  spending  many  hours  in  conver- 
sation by  day  and  by  night,  with  preachers  and  people  of 
various  characters,  among  whom  are  many  distressing  cases. 

Sunday,  27.  The  morning  was  damp  and  cloudy,  yet  I 
must  needs  go  to  the  quarterly  meeting,  which  was  held  in  a 
very  open  house.  My  improvement  was  the  first  epistle  of 
John  iii,  18-22.    The  meeting  lasted  five  hours. 

Monday,  28.  We  rode  about  forty  miles,  and  fed  upon  the 
path.  We  came  to  Daniel  Asbury's,  in  Lincoln  county.  I 
crossed  once  more  at  ihe  Horse  Ford,  where  I  was  formerly 
in  danger  of  being  drowned.  At  that  time  the  river  was 
high,  myself  weak,  the  horse  I  rode  low  and  young,  and 
we  went  in  at  an  improper  place  upon  the  rocks,  and  amongst 
the  falls  of  the  river. 

Daniel  Asbury,  an  experienced  guide,  conducted  me  across 
this  time;  but  not  without  some  difficulty.  His  horse 
stumbled  and  wet  his  feet ;  and  my  head  began  to  swim  be- 
fore Ave  got  through  ;  and  my  carriage  to  pitch  over  the  large 
stones,  and  small  rocks.  I  think  I  bid  a  final  adieu  to  this 
ford.  If  I  must  try  this  route  again,  I  am  inclined  to  go  by 
Morgantown,  the  capital  of  Burke  county. 

The  winter  approacheth — we  must  hasten  South. 

Tuesday,  29.  In  the  morning  I  rested :  in  the  evening  I 
walked  out  and  preached,  that  the  people  might  both  see 
and  hear  me;  my  subject  was  1  Thess  ii,  11,  12. 

Wednesday,  30.  We  rode  to  Williams's  chapel;  where 
Jesse  Lee  preached.  I  added  a  few  words.  We  then  has- 
tened to  the  widow  Featherston's,  on  Dutchman's  Creek. 


Oct.,  1799.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


431 


Wc  have  ridden  thirty  miles  this  day  over  very  uneven  roads. 
We  soon  called  a  meeting  after  our  arrival. 

Thursday,  31.  We  crossed  the  south  branch  of  Catabaw, 
and  soon  after  passed  the  line  between  North  and  South 
Carolinas,  into  York  county.  In  consequence  of  our  wandering 
out  of  our  way  in  the  Hickory  barrens,  wc  made  it  thirty 
miles  to  Alexander  Hill's  ;  where  we  held  a  meeting.  God 
hath  blessed  the  son  and  daughter  of  our  host,  which  is  better 
to  him  than  thousands  of  gold. 

South  Carolina. — Friday,  November  1.  We  had  a  strange 
route  of  twenty  miles  to  Josiah  Smith's,  on  Broad  River, 
Union  county.    Here  we  held  a  meeting. 

Saturday,  2.  We  came  to  Woad's  Ferry  upon  Broad,  at 
the  mouth  of  Pacolet  River,  near  a  small  town  called  Pink- 
neyville :  thence  to  Spray's,  over  Tyger  and  Hendricks 
bridge,  on  the  Enoree  :  we  were  benighted  among  the  woods. 
The  wagons  and  waters  had  made  such  deep  ruts  and  gullies, 
that  I  almost  despaired  of  getting  onward,  until  I  thought  of 
the  expedient  of  leaving  the  carriage,  and  mounting  the 
horse's  back,  by  which  means  I  was  better  able  to  guide  him  : 
we  came  into  Colonel  Benjamin  Hcrndon's,  about  seven 
o'clock,  where  we  met  brothers  Blanton,  Black,  Norman, 
and  Smith. 

On  Sabbath  day  I  commented  upon  Romans  ii,  16.  Ac- 
cording to  my  enumeration  I  have  travelled  one  hundred  and 
sixty  miles  in  four  days. 

Monday,  4,  I  rested. 

Tuesday,  5.  I  rode  eight  miles  to  Odell's  chapel,  Laurens 
county :  it  was  a  damp  day,  and  we  had  an  open  house.  I 
lodged  at  Henry  Davies's,  a  native  of  Ann  Arundel  county, 
Maryland. 

Wednesday,  6.  We  came  to  Zoar  chapel ;  a  new,  unfin- 
ished building :  the  morning  was  rainy,  yet  two  or  three 
dozen  people  attended :  we  lodged  at  William  Holland's. 

Thursday,  1.  We  rode  sixteen  miles  in  haste  to  attend  the 
funeral  of  Nehemiah  Franks,  an  aged  man,  who,  we  hope, 
died  in  the  Lord :  Jesse  Lee  preached  the  funeral  sermon ; 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Nov.,  1799. 


after  which  I  made  an  improvement  upon  Joseph's  prophecy, 
Gen.  xl,  24 :  "  And  Joseph  said  unto  his  brethren,  I  die ; 
and  God  will  surely  visit  you."  I  made  some  observations 
on  his  typical  and  gracious  character;  his  early  piety,  his 
persecution  from  his  brethren,  his  scenes  of  adversity,  impris- 
onment, exposure  to  death,  and  slavery ;  his  piety  in  pros- 
perity and  worldly  honour ;  an  example  for  us ;  how  God 
visited  the  Israelites,  and  how  he  hath  visited  the  people  of 
America. 

Saturday  and  Sunday.  Quarterly  meeting  at  Bramblet's ;  I 
made  a  discourse  upon  Titus  ii,  3  ;  we  had  a  good  season.  I 
only  gave  an  exhortation  on  the  Sabbath.  We  are  now  at 
the  widow  Bramblet's,  ten  miles  from  the  widow  Frank's. 

Benjamin  Blanton  came  up  with  us  sick ;  his  famous  horse 
died  of  the  staggers ;  he  reported  two  hundred  and  sixty 
dollars  ;  and  he  had  received  from  the  connexion  in  four  years 
two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars.  If  we  do  not  benefit  the  peo- 
ple we  have  but  little  of  their  money :  such  is  the  ecclesiasti- 
cal revenue  of  all  our  order. 

Monday,  11.  We  rode,  sick,  weary,  and  hungry,  through  a 
most  barren  country.  Jesse  Lee  stopped  to  preach  at  Colo- 
nel Wolfe's ;  I  rode  on  to  the  Tumbling  Shoals  Ford,  upon 
Reedy  River ;  thence  on  to  William  Powels's,  upon  the  banks 
of  Fair  Seluda ;  I  came  in  as  usual,  sick  indeed,  after  riding 
thirty  miles — jolting  over  the  roots,  stumps,  holes,  and 
gullies. 

Tuesday,  12.  Rode  five  miles  to  King's  chapel ;  there  were 
six  travelling  preachers  present :  the  house  Avas  very  open, 
and  the  two  sermons  and  love-feast  held  three  hours  :  I  was 
chilled  exceedingly  ;  my  subject  was  Ephesians  v,  1-3. 

Wednesday,  13.  We  rode  westward  sixteen  miles,  to  War- 
wick Bristoe's,  where  we  held  meeting,  and  then  rode  to 
Berry's  ford;  thence  to  Thomas  Terry's,  a  Yorkshire  Metho- 
dist, whom  I  married  seven  years  ago  to  Ann  W.  Dowcll,  his 
present  good  wife,  from  a  Methodist  stock  on  the  mother's 
side  in  Ireland. 

Thursday,  14.  We  rode  ten  miles  to  the  Golden  Grove,  at 


Nov.,  1799.]  ASBURYS  JOURNAL. 


133 


Cox's  meeting-house ;  my  subject  was  1  John  ii,  20.  It  is 
agreed  that  this  is  the  best  society  we  have  in  South  Caro- 
lina :  the  land  here  is  rich.  We  lodged  at  deacon  Tarrant's. 
On  Friday  we  crossed  Seluda  at  Wilson's  ferry,  and  rode 
fifteen  miles  to  Thomas  Willingham's,  upon  the  Indian 
lands. 

Saturday,  16.  We  rode  ten  miles  to  Nash's  meeting-house, 
in  Pendleton  county  ;  where  I  glossed  upon  Colossians  i,  27, 
28.  I  was  much  affected  with  the  faces  and  manners  of  this 
people.  Mr.  James  Nash  is  not,  nor  any  of  his  family,  in 
fellowship  with  us,  but  are  our  most  kind  friends :  we  were 
used  in  the  very  best  manner,  and  this  was  more  abundantly 
acceptable  ;  friends  in  need  are  friends  indeed.  We  had  to 
preach  in  an  open  house ;  it  was  a  summer's  day ;  we  had  a 
love-feast  and  sacrament :  my  subject  was  2  Peter  ii,  9 ;  the 
congregation  was  very  large. 

Georgia. — Monday,  18.  We  rode  twenty-six  miles  into 
the  state  of  Georgia,  crossed  Rocky  River,  properly  so  called, 
likewise  the  Savannah  at  the  Cherokee  Ford :  it  was  wide, 
deep,  and  there  were  large  rocks  in  it,  and  I  had  no  guide ; 
however,  we  came  safe  to  William  Tait's  in  Elbert  county. 
Little  did  I  think  I  should  ever  visit  Georgia  again,  much  less 
the  frontiers  of  it.  It  was  a  rainy  day ;  but  I  was  kept  dry 
in  the  felicity  ;  not  so  with  brothers  Lee  and  Blanton. 

Tuesday,  19.  We  attended  at  Tait's  chapel,  in  the  Forks: 
it  was  a  cold  day.  I  gave  a  short  exhortation  on  Rev.  xxi,  7. 
I  passed  a  night  with  Charles  Tait,  formerly  of  Cokesbury, 
and  was  made  exceedingly  welcome  and  comfortable. 

Wednesday,  20.  Rode  twenty  miles  to  Coldwater,  in  a  cold 
dav,  and  held  meeting  in  a  cold  meeting-house,  but  we  had  a 
warm-hearted  people.  I  gave  a  brief  sermon  upon  Eph. 
v,  8  :  "  Walk  as  children  of  light,"  We  lodged  at,  and  were 
comfortably  entertained  by,  Ralph  Banks. 

Thursday,  21.  We  rode  sixteen  miles,  sometimes  through 
the  naked  woods,  to  Redwine's  ;  where  we  had  an  unexpected 
congregation  in  the  solitary  woods.  I  held  forth  on,  "  The 
Son  of  Man  is  come  to  seek  and  to  save  that  which  was  lost." 

Vol.  II.— 19 


434 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Nov.,  1799. 


The  house  was  open,  but  the  people  were  simple-hearted,  and 
very  kind. 

Friday,  22.  We  came  sixteen  miles,  to  Can-oil's  meeting- 
house; a  new  log  cabin  in  the  woods.  Some  of  the  people 
of  the  congregation  are  from  the  east  and  west  parts  of  Mary- 
land. I  felt  that  the  Lord  was  with  them.  We  have  the 
kitchen,  house,  and  chamber  all  in  one,  and  no  closet  but  the 
woods. 

Saturday,  23.  At  Park's  new  cabin  chapel,  after  riding 
eighteen  miles,  I  exhorted.  We  lodged  at  Stephen  West 
Brook's. 

Sabbath  day.  Still  at  Park's  chapel:  I  preached  upon 
2  Cor.  vi,  1.  I  doubt  if  there  were  ever  twice  as  many  crowd- 
ed in  so  small  a  house — some  stood  upon  the  benches,  and 
others  upon  the  floor:  public  and  private  meeting  held  five 
hours.  We  afterward  had  to  ride  ten  or  twelve  miles  to  lodge 
at  George  Christian's.  We  travelled  through  Elbert,  but 
mostly  in  Franklin  county.  We  have  crossed  about  thirtee  n 
branches  of  Broad  River.  Three  of  them,  which  rise  near  the 
head  branches  of  Oconee,  are  large.  The  land  is  not  very 
fertile,  except  what  licth  upon  the  water-courses. 

Monday,  25.  We  were  detained  by  rain  in  the  morning, 
but  set  off  at  nine  o'clock,  and  came  in  at  half-past  one, 
after  riding  twelve  miles  to  Charles  Wakefield's,  in  Ogle- 
thorpe county — so  called  after  the  first  governor  of  the  state 
or  province.  Benjamin  Blanton  could  go  no  farther,  but  went 
to  bed  with  a  high  fever.  I  desired  Jesse  Lee  to  attend  the 
appointments  over  the  Oconee.  We  had  the  appearance  of 
the  beginning  of  winter,  and  were  in  a  cold  cabin,  but  with 
kind  people. 

Tuesday,  26.  We  came  six  miles  to  Cornelius  M'Carty's. 
Here  we  had  to  drop  anchor  again :  brother  Blanton  could 
go  no  farther  this  day  ;  and  as  there  were  three  of  us  in  oom- 
pany,  and  one  who  was  well  able  to  do  the  work,  I  felt  it 
my  duty  to  do  as  I  would  be  done  by,  and  have  been  done 
by,  that  is,  to  stay  and  take  care  of  the  sick  num. 

Wednesday,  27.  After  brother  Blanton  had  been  very  ill, 


Dec,  1799.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


435 


and  in  bed  most  of  his  time,  I  housed  him  in  my  carnage, 
and  we  proceeded  down  the  Oconee,  twelve  miles,  to  Bund 
Pope's,  after  a  heavy  siege  through  the  woods,  from  one 
plantation  to  another,  on  brother  Blanton's  stiff-jointed  horse, 
that  I  would  only  ride  to  save  souls,  or  the  health  of  a  bro- 
ther. Our  accommodations  compensated  for  all.  I  admire 
the  soft  soil  of  Georgia,  and  it  is  pleasant  to  see  the  people, 
ploughing  on  the  last  of  November,  as  if  it  were  the  month 
of  April.  The  weather  was  very  cold  on  Thursday  and  Fri- 
day. Saturday  I  rode  seven  miles  up  to  Hudson's  ford,  at 
the  mouth  of  Trail  Creek,  to  have  a  sight  of  Oconee  River. 
Jesse  Lee  visited  the  forks  of  the  river,  and  formed  a  circuit 
for  one  preacher.  The  land  upon  the  river  is  good.  I  re- 
turned to  Henry  Pope's. 

Sabbath  day,  December  1.  The  weather  still  continues  cold. 
At  the  new  meeting-house  my  subject  was  Heb.  iii,  12-14. 
There  appears  to  be  more  wealth  than  religion  here. 

Monday,  2.  We  rode  twelve  miles,  in  a  very  damp  day,  to 
the  widow  Steward's:  we  had  a  large  congregation  for  the 
day  and  place.  The  widow's  house  stands  upon  a  line  be- 
tween Green  and  Oglethorpe  counties. 

Tuesday,  3.  At  Greensborough,  in  a  large  meeting-house 
built  by  and  for  the  Presbyterians,  we  held  meeting.  We 
lodged  at  William  Ufton's.  We  have  travelled  in  two  days 
about  thirty-two  miles.  The  badness  of  the  weather  and  my 
constant  uneasiness,  have  injured  me  much :  I  have  spoken 
very  little  in  public  :  I  drag  along  exceedingly  heavy.  It  is 
serious  work  to  be  driving  through  t  he  back  settlements,  and  hav- 
ing open  meeting  and  dwelling-houses,  in  the  winter  season, 

Wednesday,  4.  At  Burke's  meeting-house  Jesse  Lee  preach- 
ed, and  I  exhorted  upon  the  importance  of  the  ministry,  and 
ordained  brother  Watts  a  local  deacon.  We  lodged  at  John 
Crutchfield's ;  where  we  had  a  gracious  family-meeting. 

Thursday,  5.  We  moved  along  in  a  cloudy,  damp,  cold  day, 
fourteen  miles  to  Little  Britain,  a  log  pen,  open  at  the  top, 
bottom,  and  sides :  a  few  people  attended :  my  subject  was 
Matt,  vii,  8. 


ASBUKVS  JOURNAL.  [Dec,  IVjU. 


Friday,  6.  We  rode  fifteen  miles,  through  a  heavy  rain,  to 
Hill's  meeting-house,  upon  Long  Creek,  where  six  or  seven 
preachers,  with  a  few  people  attended  :  my  subject  was  Heb. 
x,  32.  Hope  Hull,  Josias  Randall,  S.  Cowles,  and  William 
Partridge  came  a  long  way  to  see  me  ;  we  had  a  family-meet- 
ing at  mother  Hill's.  It  is  about  twenty  years  since  I  first 
visited  this  house. 

Saturday  and  Sabbath  day,  7,  8.  We  held  our  quarterly 
meeting  at  Mark's  meeting-house  :  I  had  dreaded  this  appoint- 
ment. I  had  some  pain  and  some  pleasure.  The  state  of  re- 
ligion is  low  here.  Hope  Hull  preached  on  Saturday  upon 
Jer.  x,  8  :  we  had  some  signs  to  show  that  life  had  not  entirely 
departed,  in  the  love-feast  and  sacrament.  Benjamin  Blanton 
preached  Sabbath  day,  from  Isa.  xxviii,  8,  and  I  gave  a  gloss 
upon  Joshua  xiv,  8 :  "  Nevertheless,  my  brethren  that  went 
up  with  me  made  the  heart  of  the  people  melt ;  but  I  wholly 
followed  the  Lord  my  God."  In  the  introduction  peculiar 
attention  was  paid  to  the  dealings  of  God  with  Israel  from  the 
beginning  to  the  end ;  the  influence  pious  characters  had  in 
the  case  before  us,  two  prevailing  against  ten ;  that  the  well- 
being  of  future  generations  required  that  a  decided  tone  to 
the  morals,  manners,  and  religious  opinions,  should  be  given 
by  the  first  settlers  of  the  country.  The  weight  of  the  dis- 
course was  opened  in  two  divisions  :  First,  what  God  had  done 
for  many  Christians  ;  Secondly,  Their  unfaithfulness  and  com- 
plaints, (like  the  Israelites,)  and  their  bad  influence  upon  the 
camp  of  Israel,  as  at  the  present  day. 

Monday,  9.  We  rode  twenty  miles  to  Hope  Hull's,  near 
Washington,  in  Wilkes  county. 

Tuesday,  10,  we  rested;  and  on  Wednesday,  11,  I  gave  a 
discourse  at  Coke's  chapel,  upon  Gal.  vi,  9.  The  rain  began 
as  we  closed  the  meeting.  I  dined  at  D.  Merriweather's,  and 
rode  home  with  Thomas  Grant  that  evening,  and  was  detained 
on  Thursday  and  Friday  in  consequence  of  a  rain. 

We  have  had  an  exceedingly  heavy  rain — the  Little  River 
was  impassable ;  but  I  was  kindly  and  comfortably  provided 
for.    I  lament  the  state  of  religion  in  these  new  settlements. 


Dec,  1799.] 


ASBURYS  JOURNAL. 


437 


New  lands,  new  officers,  and  new  objects,  occupy  the  minds 
of  the  people.  I  invented  a  continental  general  plan  of  move- 
ment through  the  Eastern  and  Western  States,  not  much  short 
of  seven  thousand  miles. 

Saturday,  14.  I  made  an  attempt  to  reach  Philips's  bridge, 
but  -was  soon  stopped  by  a  creek.  Thence  we  went  to  a  mill- 
dam,  fidl  of  holes  and  rolling  stones.  I»did  not  choose  to  risk 
the  overturning  of  the  carriage  into  the  millpond  or  the  creek  ; 
so  I  returned  to  D.  Merriweather's,  and  appointed  a  meeting 
at  Coke's  chapel,  and  upon  the  Sabbath  day  gave  them  a  long, 
weighty  talk,  upon  1  Cor.  vii,  29. 

Monday,  16.  We  had  to  take  the  rain  and  mud  upon  the 
Augusta  road  ;  the  wagons  had  been  detained  by  high  water  ; 
men  and  wagons  were  very  heavily  loaded  with  rum.  We 
rode  twenty-four  miles,  and  were  kindly  entertained  at  William 
Shield's. 

Tuesday,  17.  Rode  ten  miles  to  James  Allen's,  and  behold, 
neither  the  man  nor  his  wife  was  at  home ;  the  day  was  far 
spent,  and  it  was  raining,  so  we  stopped. 

Wednesday,  18.  Before  we  could  get,  ready  to  move,  it  be- 
gan to  rain  powerfully.  We  came  down  the  Augusta  road, 
gouged  up  by  wagons  in  a  most  dreadfid  manner,  in  conse- 
quence of  which  we  were  five  hours  in  going  twelve  miles  to 
Thomas  Haine's,  upon  Uchee.  I  had  great  intestine  war, 
having  eat  but  little ;  but  here  we  have  all  things  comfortable. 
I  doubt  whether  we  shall  be  able  to  cross  Savannah  River  in 
five  days  from  this  time ;  the  former  freshet  being  increased 
by  latter  rains. 

Thursday  and  Friday  we  rested.  Saturday,  21.  We  rode 
to  M'Gee's  to  attend  an  appointment ;  but  the  rain  prevented 
the  people  from  coming. 

Sabbath  day,  22.  We  came  into  Augusta  town.  I  went  in 
the  morning  to  hear  a  sermon,  and  in  the  afternoon  I  yave  one 
upon  Heb.  ii,  1.  We  have  preached  several  years  in  this  town, 
but  with  little  success :  we  want  a  house  of  our  own  here. 
On  Monday,  23,  the  waters  were  much  assuaged.  Augusta 
town  is  greatly  improved  in  bouses  since  1  was  here  last.  The 


438 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1800. 


boat  trade  from  Savannah  is  very  considerable.  After  wait- 
ing- an  hour  on  the  banks  of  the  river,  we  crossed,  and  came 
in  about  sunset,  after  riding  twenty-two  miles  to  Cooper's,  in 
the  pines. 

Sopth  Carolina. —  Tuesday,  24.  We  came  twenty-three 
miles  to  Chester's,  the  best  entertainment  we  could  find  :  it 
was  but  for  a  night.  1 

Christmas-day,  25.  We  rode  twenty-three  miles  to  a  pole 
meeting-house,  near  Trotty's ;  thence  ten  miles  to  Jacob 
Barr's  :  here  I  was  once  more  at  home. 

Thursday,  26.  We  rode  down  Edisto  River,  which  was 
much  swelled  by  the  late  rains ;  I  dined  at  Murray's  ;  we 
then  proceeded  up  the  stream  to  Mr.  Hall's  :  we  have  ridden 
twenty-five  miles  this  day. 

Friday,  27.  We  crossed  at  Fourhold's  bridge,  which  was 
scarcely  passable,  the  water  being  deep,  and  spread  out  upon 
the  low  land  nearly  three  quarters  of  a  mile. 

I  came  accidentally  to  my  appointment  at  the  Cypress 
chapel.  My  text  was  1  Tim.  ii,  5  :  "  For  there  is  one  God, 
and  one  Mediator  between  God  and  men,  the  man  Christ 
Jesus."  I.  The  great  disproportion  there  is  between  a  holy 
God  and  fallen  mankind.  II.  The  absolute,  indispensable 
necessity  of  a  Mediator  in  nature  and  office. 

Saturday,  28.  I  never  knew  worse  roads.  I  needed  one 
to  hold  on  one  side  of  my  carriage  to  prevent  my  being  over- 
set in  the  mud.  Sabbath  day  I  preached  in  the  old  church, 
upon  Psalm  cxviii,  24,  25.  On  Monday  and  Tuesday  we  bad 
a  little  rest. 

Wednesday,  January  1,  1800.  We  began  our  conference 
in  Charleston,  twenty-three  members  present.  I  had  select 
meetings  with  the  preachers  each  evening,  who  gave  an  ac- 
count of  the  dealings  of  God  with  their  own  souls,  and  of  the 
circuits  they  supplied  the  past  year. 

Saturday,  4.  After  determining  by  a  large  majority  that 
our  next  meeting  together  (by  divine  permission)  should  be  in 
Camden,  the  conference  rose. 

Slow  moved  the  Northern  post  on  the  eve  of  New-year's 


Jan.,  1800.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


439 


day,  and  brought  the  heart-distressing  information  of  the 
death  of  Washington,  who  departed  this  life  December  14, 
1799. 

Washington,  the  calm,  intrepid  chief,  the  disinterested 
friend,  first  father,  and  temporal  saviour  of  his  country  under 
Divine  protection  and  direction.  A  universal  cloud  sat  upon 
the  faces  of  the  citizens  of  Charleston ;  the  pulpits  clothed  in 
black — the  bells  muffled — the  paraded  soldiery — a  public 
oration  decreed  to  be  delivered  on  Friday,  14th  of  this  month 
— a  marble  statue  to  be  placed  in  some  proper  situation. 
These  were  the  expressions  of  sorrow,  and  these  the  marks  of 
respect  paid  by  his  feeling  fellow-citizens  to  the  memory  of 
this  great  man.  I  am  disposed  to  lose  sight  of  all  but  Wash- 
ington :  matchless  man  !  At  all  times  he  acknowledged  the 
providence  of  God,  and  never  was  he  ashamed  of  his  Re- 
deemer :  we  believe  he  died,  not  fearing  death.  In  his  will 
he  ordered  the  manumission  of  his  slaves — a  true  son  of  liberty 
in  all  points. 

Sunday,  5.  After  the  burden  of  care  was  thrown  off,  I 
again  resumed  the  pulpit ;  and  in  order  the  better  to  suit  my 
subject  to  meet  the  conference,  the  new  year,  ordination  of 
elders  and  deacons,  and  the  General's  death,  I  made  choice 
of  Isaiah  lxi,  2  :  "  To  proclaim  the  acceptable  year  of  the 
Lord,  and  the  day  of  vengeance  of  our  God ;  to  comfort  all 
that  mourn." 

I.  The  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord. 

II.  The  day  of  vengeance  of  our  God. 

III.  To  comfort  all  that  mourn. 

The  congregation  was  large,  decent,  and  solemn  ;  the  ordi- 
nation was  attended  with  unction  from  above,  and  the  sacra- 
ment with  tenderness  of  heart.  At  the  new  church,  before 
the  ordination  of  deacons,  Jesse  Lee  discoursed  upon,  "  The 
harvest  truly  is  great,"  &c.  After  encountering  many  diffi- 
culties, I  was  able  to  settle  the  plan  of  stations  and  to  take  in 
two  new  circuits. 

Monday,  6.  The  main  body  of  the  preachers  left  the  city. 
I  desired  Jesse  Lee,  as  my  assistant,  to  take  my  horse  and 


440 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Jan.,  1800. 


his  own  and  visit  between  this  and  the  7th  of  February, 
Croosawatchie,  Savannah,  and  Saint  Mary's,  (a  ride  of  about 
four  hundred  miles,)  and  to  take  John  Garven  to  his  station : 
the  time  has  been  when  this  journey  would  have  been  my 
delight ;  but  now  I  must  lounge  in  Charleston. 

Sunday,  12.  We  have  had  a  week  of  snow,  which  made 
the  ways  extremely  miry.  I  attended  the  church  in  Cumber- 
land-street;  my  subject  was  1  Peter  i,  17-19.  I  did  not 
enter,  as  I  wished,  into  the  marrow  of  the  subject. 

Monday,  13.  Benjamin  Blanton  left  me  to  attend  his 
charge  of  preachers,  circuits,  and  to  promote  the  sale  of  our 
books,  within  the  limits  of  the  Charleston  conference.  I  have 
kept  no  journal  from  Sabbath  to  Sabbath.  I  have  been  em- 
ployed in  reading  and  answering  letters  to  different  and  dis- 
tant parts  of  the  continent. 

Sunday,  19.  My  subject  was  1  Peter  i,  6,  7.  I  have  been 
very  unwell  since  Friday,  but  as  I  only  attempt  to  labour  upon 
Sabbath  days,  I  could  not  stand  back  from  duty ;  I  was 
greatly  assisted  in  the  morning,  but  much  outdone  in  the 
afternoon  in  body  and  mind. 

At  intervals  Nicholas  Snethen  read  to  me  those  excellent 
sermons  of  Mr.  James  Saurin,  a  French  Protestant  minister  at 
the  Hague  ;  they  are  long,  elaborate,  learned,  doctrinal,  prac- 
tical, historical,  and  explanatory. 

No  journal  until  Friday,  24.  I  have  been  unwell  in  my 
bowels ;  C.  Patton  sent  me  a  decoction  of  bark,  rhubarb,  and 
nutmeg,  which  helps  me  much.  This  week  I  employed  in 
answering  my  correspondents  in  the  District  of  Maine,  States 
of  Massachusetts,  New-York,  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  and  Vir- 
ginia, On  Thursday  night  departed  this  life  Edward  Rutledge, 
governor  of  South  Carolina.  He  was  one  of  the  tried  patriots 
of  1775  and  1776.  The  Africans  gave  him  a  good  character 
for  his  humanity.  On  Saturday,  25,  his  dust  is  to  be  com- 
mitted to  dust.  "I  have  said  ye  are  gods  ;  but  ye  shall  die 
like  men,  and  fall  like  one  of  the  princes." 

Sunday,  26.  I  was  under  some  weakness  of  body  and 
mind.    I  attended  at  the  old  church,  and  preached  on  R<>- 


Feb.,  1800.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


441 


mans  xii,  9-11.  January  30th  we  had  another  snow.  Fe- 
bruary 3d :  I  have  kept  no  journal  for  some  days.  Sabbath 
was  a  cloudy  day,  with  rain.  My  sacramental  subject  was 
Rev.  i,  5,  6.  I  have  had  a  distressing  cold  in  my  head  ;  not- 
withstanding which  I  have  read  much  in  books,  letters,  and 
lives. 

Wednesday,  5.  I  began  to  relax  my  mind  from  writing 
long  letters.  I  dined  with  Jesse  Vaughan,  and  afterward 
visited  Mr.  Wamack's  family,  at  the  Orphan  House.  There 
is  no  institution  in  America  equal  to  this.  Two  or  three 
hundred  orphans  are  taught,  fed,  and  clothed,  and  then  put 
apprentices  to  good  trades. 

Friday,  1.  Jesse  Lee  and  George  Dougharty  came  to 
town.  The  former  hath  been  a  route  of  about  six  hundred 
miles  ;  and  my  poor  gray  hath  suffered  for  it. 

Sunday,  9.  I  gave  my  last  charge  at  Cumberland-street 
church,  from  Rom.  xii,  14-18. 

Monday,  10.  I  left  the  ciiy  of  Charleston  ;  the  day  was 
cold  and  the  roads  bad.  We  came  through  Broughton 
swamp.  In  the  evening  my  carriage  got  set  fast ;  the  se- 
cond draught,  the  hook  upon  the  swingle- tree  gave  way,  and 
I  had  to  take  to  the  mud  to  fix  the  traces.  At  half-past 
eight  o'clock  we  came  to  Monk's  Corner. 

Tuesday,  11.  It  snowed.  I  was  distressed  for  a  wagoner 
whose  horses  ran  away  at  the  sight  of  my  carriage,  and 
whirled  the  wagon  among  the  stumps  and  trees :  happily  no 
considerable  injury  was  suffered.  We  lodged  at  the  widow 
Turk's,  near  Nelson's  Ferry — an  extremely  cold  night. 

Wednesday,  12.  We  wrought  our  passage  over  and 
through  the  river  and  swamp,  and  as  long  as  we  kept  the 
public  road  it  was  all  swamp.  We  at  length  came  to  Gib- 
son's chapel,  where  I  preached  upon  James  i,  25.  We  dined 
at  Bowman's,  and  in  the  evening  held  meeting  at  Mr. 
Gales's. 

Thursday,  13,  was  a  very  cold  day;  it  terminated  in  rain. 
No  meeting  at  Bradford's. 

Friday,  14.  We  came  to  Rembert's,  where,  at  three 
19* 


442 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Feb.,  1800. 


o'clock,  I  spoke  upon  Heb.  iii,  3,  to  a  few  people.  Brother 
Snethen  also  gave  them  a  discourse. 

Saturday,  15.  We  came  to  Camden.  The  weather  is  still 
cold.  We  stopped  to  feed  at  Navy's.  We  have  ridden, 
since  Monday  last,  one  hundred  and  thirty  miles,  and  my 
horse  would  not  have  been  so  outdone  in  two  hundred  or 
three  hundred  miles,  upon  good  roads.  My  soul  hath  been 
kept  in  patience,  and  much  prayer ;  my  body  is  in  great 
weakness,  undergoing  disagreeable  changes  with  the  weather 
and  my  constitutional  maladies. 

Sunday,  1G.  At  Camden  I  preached  upon  1  Cor.  vi,  19,  20. 
We  administered  the  Lord's  Supper.  The  day  was  cold  for 
this  climate,  and  but  few  people  attended. 

Monday,  1 7.  We  rode  twenty  miles  to  Horton's ;  and  on 
Tuesday,  18,  held  meeting  there. 

Wednesday,  19.  We  rode  forty  miles  through  the  sands, 
and  roads  made  bad  by  snow  and  frost.  We  were  travelling 
as  late  as  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening,  groping  in  the  dark 
until  a  boy  guided  us  along  by  the  blaze  of  pine  wood,  to 
brother  Shaw's  peaceable  dwelling.  He  was  gone  to  his 
circuit,  but  his  gracious  wife  and  children  were  at  home. 

Thursday,  20.  At  Jackson's  meeting-house  we  had  some 
gracious  feelings.  After  an  absence  of  ten  years,  I  called 
once  more  at  friend  Pace's. 

Friday,  2 1 .  We  attended  a  meeting  at  Anson  court-house. 
We  had  no  small  congregation  at  Mr.  Cashe's  new  house.  I 
was  kindly  entertained  at  his  father's  when  in  Virginia  and 
Tennessee,  and  now  by  him.  They  offered  us  money,  food, 
lodging,  or  whatever  we  Avanted.  At  Threadgill's  meeting- 
house N.  Snethen  preached.  We  then  hasted  to  Mr.  At- 
kin's.  We  were  compelled  to  wade  Rocky  River — the  water 
came  into  my  carriage-box. 

Sunday,  23.  At  Randell's  church,  in  Montgomery  county, 
(N.  C.,)  I  gave  a  discourse  after  brother  Snethen,  upon 
1  Sam.  xii,  23. 

Monday,  24.  We  came  to  Ledbettcr's. 

North  Carolina. — Tuesday,  25.   Crossed  Pee  Dee  at 


Mar.,  1800.] 


ASBURT'S  JOURNAL. 


U3 


Tindelsville,  and  landed  at  Andersonborough  without  any 
difficulties ;  but  when  we  came  to  Williams  Ford,  across  the 
inver,  it  was  impassable  ;  we  then  changed  our  course,  and 
took  the  ridge  road,  which  was  open  to  the  Montgomery 
line ;  thence  we  had  to  guess  our  way,  until  we  came  to  Ed- 
ward Harris's,  where  we  fed,  dined,  and  prayed  with  the 
woman  and  children,  and  then  came  on  we  knew  not  where. 
As  the  sun  began  to  decline,  we  thought  it  time  to  look  out ; 
to  our  surprise  we  saw  a  Friends'  meeting-house,  as  we 
judged  by  its  form.  I  then  concluded  we  could  not  reach 
Deep  River,  and  we  stopped  at  John  Henley's.  We  had  all 
we  wanted  but  prayer. 

Wednesday,  26.  I  had  to  pass  over  heavy  hills,  rocks,  and 
small  runs,  and  through  thick  clay :  we  were  concluding 
when  in  Charleston,  and  after  we  set  out,  by  the  excessive 
cold,  that  there  was  snow  not  far  distant.  When  we  came 
into  North  Carolina,  we  found  that  upon  Pee  Dee,  and  Yad- 
kin, and  Deep  rivers,  the  snow  had  fallen  fifteen  and  eighteen 
inches  deep,  and  continued  nearly  a  month  upon  the  ground, 
and  had  swelled  the  rivers,  and  spoiled  Hie  public  roads.  We 
lodged  at  Mr.  Bell's ;  having  ridden  only  fifty  miles  in  two 
davs.  We  left  two  appointments  on  the  west  side  of  Uwany  : 
so  much  for  that  siege.  My  horse  had  hard  work  ;  my  car- 
riage was  very  loose  in  the  joints  by  constant  and  long  play ; 
and  myself  much  tired ;  but  I  revived  when  I  saw  the 
lawyers  going  to  the  Western  courts.  I  thought,  if  they 
toiled  and  suffered  for  justice  and  silver,  how  ought  I  to 
labour  for  truth,  and  gold  that  perisheth  not,  and  thousands 
of  people,  and  hundreds  of  preachers. 

Thursday,  27.  I  gained  a  day  by  the  overflowing  of 
Uwany,  and  came  to  Daniel  Sherc wood's,  in  Guilford  county, 
within  twenty  miles  of  the  track  I  went  down  last  fall. 

Friday,  28.  It  rained  and  snowed.  I  gave  an  exhortation, 
and  ordained  two  deacons.  We  got  our  horses  shod,  and 
then  rode  to  aged  William  Field's. 

Sunday,  March  2.  We  set  out  early  and  hasted  through 
deep  roads  to  the  Hickory  Mountain  chapel,  not  less  than 


444 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Mar.,  1800. 


twenty-eight  or  thirty  miles.  N.  Snethen  went  along,  and 
preached  to  the  people,  and  brought  a  few  to  meet  me  at 
friend  Reeve's,  where  we  dined  about  six  o'clock. 

Monday,  3.  We  had  no  small  race  through  Chatham 
county  to  Snipe's.  We  were  lost  three  times  before  we  came 
to  Clarke's  ferry,  on  Haw  River,  and  had  to  send  a  boy  a 
mile  for  the  ferryman,  and  wait  nearly  a  half-hour. 

Tuesday,  4.  A  clear,  but  very  cold  day.  We  were  treated 
with  great  respect  at  the  University,  by  the  president,  Cal- 
well,  and  the  students,  citizens,  and  many  of  the  country 
people.  Brother  Snethen  preached,  on,  "  God  forbid  that  I 
should  glory,  save  in  the  cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 
When  the  university  is  finished,  I  shall  take  notice  of  it.  I 
stopped  to  baptize  some  children,  and  then  rode  on  to 
Massey's. 

Wednesday,  5.  We  rode  to  Sihon  Smith's ;  and  I  gave  a 
lecture  in  the  evening. 

Thursday,  6.  We  came  to  Raleigh,  the  seat  of  govern- 
ment. I  preached  in  the  State  House.  Notwithstanding 
this  day  was  very  cold  and  snowy,  we  had  many  people  to 
hear.  I  baptized  a  child,  and  came  that  evening  to  Thomas 
Proctor's. 

Friday,  7.  We  came  to  the  Union  church.  Many  attend- 
ed, but  the  excessive  cold  penetrated  my  whole  system.  We 
lodged  at  John  Whitefield's. 

Saturday,  8.  I  rode  twelve  miles  through  the  snow  to  Ed- 
mund Taylor's,  senior.  This  week,  from  Monday  to  Satur- 
day at  noon,  I  have  ridden  one  hundred  and  ten  miles.  My 
mind  is  kept  in  great  serenity.  I  have  spoken  every  day  but 
this. 

Sunday,  9.  We  have  a  great  sleet.  The  healthy  and  the 
young  went  to  Bank's  church.  At  four  o'clock  we  had  a 
sermon  at  father  Taylor's,  on  Eph.  iv,  3  :  "  Endeavouring  to 
keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace." 

I.  The  end  ;  the  unity  of  the  Spirit. 

II.  The  means  ;  there  might  be  a  union  in  interest,  in  op- 
position, in  sentiment,  in  ordinances,  but  not  in  the  Spirit ; 


Mar.,  1800.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


145 


that  this  union  is  a  union  in  experiences  by  the  Spirit ;  and 
in  the  spirits  or  minds  of  Christians.  The  means  are  set 
forth  in  the  first  and  second  verses  of  the  same  chapter ;  to 
walk  worthy  of  their  Christian  character  and  calling — disor- 
derly walking  breaketh  union.  "  With  all  lowliness,"  or 
every  mark  of  humility.  Pride  is  sure  to  break  union  :  it 
hath  done  it  in  heaven  and  paradise.  "  Meekness  ;"  unlaw- 
ful passion  will  break  union.  "  Long-suffering  ;"  if  men  will 
not  suffer  long  from  saints  and  sinners,  they  will  break  union 
with  the  Church  of  God. 

Monday,  10.  I  rubbed  along,  somehow,  to  Smith's  church. 
The  distress  I  suffered  in  my  bowels  was  great,  and  had  been 
so  for  three  days.  My  misery  Avas  so  exceedingly  great  that 
I  set  off  to  leave  the  place ;  but  my  way  from  the  dwelling- 
house  lay  by  the  church ;  the  people  were  collected ;  I  felt 
better,  stepped  in,  and  gave  an  exhortation.  I  took  Stough- 
ton's  bitters,  and  got  relief;  and  then  rode  on  to  friend 
Harris's. 

Tuesday,  11.  I  preached  a  short  discourse  on  Joshua's 
resolution,  and  rode  twelve  miles  to  E.  Taylor's,  junior.  I 
felt  unwell. 

Wednesday,  12.  I  attended  the  funeral  of  sister  Broadie ; 
she  professed  religion  three  years,  lived  happy,  and  died  in 
the  Lord.  N.  Snethen  preached  the  funeral  sermon,  from, 
"  A  good  name  is  better  than  precious  ointment ;  and  the  day 
of  death  better  than  the  day  of  one's  birth."  I  gave  some 
sentiments  on,  "  God  forbid  that  I  should  glory,  save  in  the 
cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

Thursday,  13.  We  crossed  Roanoke  at  Taylor's  Ferry: 
the  river  was  very  full.  Hail,  ancient  Virginia,  once  more  ! 
In  little  more  than  four  weeks  we  have  ridden  nearly  two 
hundred  miles  in  South,  and  three  hundred  in  North  Carolina. 
We  came  to  Howell  Taylor's.  N.  Snethen  preached  father 
Young's  funeral,  on  Isaiah  lvii,  1  ;  I  could  only  exhort. 
We  rode  home  with  S.  Holmes,  fifteen  miles,  and  it  was  well 
we  did. 

Virginia. —  Saturday,  15.  was  a  stormy  day.    One  of  my 


446 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Mar.,  1800. 


friends  wanted  to  borrow  or  beg  £50  of  me :  he  might  as 
well  have  asked  me  for  Peru.  I  showed  him  all  the  money  I 
had  in  the  world — about  twelve  dollars,  and  gave  him  five : 
strange,  that  neither  my  friends  nor  my  enemies  will  believe 
that  I  neither  have,  nor  seek  bags  of  money  :  well,  they  shall 
believe  by  demonstration,  what  I  have  ever  been  striving  to 
prove — that  I  will  live  and  die  a  poor  man.  At  Salem  we 
had  a  good  Sabbath  ;  my  subject  was  Rom.  xii,  19-21.  Our 
meeting  held  nearly  three  hours. 

Tuesday,  18.  I  preached  at  William  Owens's,  on  Psalm 
xxxvii,  39,  40  :  we  had  an  open,  living  time. 

Wednesday,  19,  at  Myrick  chapel.  Thursday,  20,  at  Drom- 
goold's  chapel :  Jesse  Lee  and  N.  Snethen  did  the  preaching, 
and  I  rode  home  with  Peter  Pelham :  this  day's  work  was 
riding  twenty-five  miles.  We  crossed  a  bridge  like  a  castle 
at  the  Westford  Ford. 

Friday,  2 1 .  We  escaped  another  dreadful  rainy  day :  a 
prodigious  quantity  of  water  fell ;  we  were  housed  :  not  a 
single  person  came  to  meeting  ;  but  we  had  a  sermon  at  noon, 
and  one  in  the  family  at  night. 

Saturday,  22.  We  set  out  for  Sussex,  but  missed  our  way  ; 
we  soon  came  to  an  impassable  stream ;  I  asked  a  poor,  un- 
intelligible negro,  who  lived  near?  he  said,  Lewis  Gig;  I 
recollected  Grigg,  and  we  went  straight  to  his  house  and 
dined.  We  then  pushed  on,  and  finding  the  Three-Run  Creek 
too  deep  to  cross,  took  up  our  lodging  at  J.  Fisher's. 

Sunday,  23.  We  rode  fifteen  miles  to  Jones's  chapel :  I 
was  very  unwell,  but  gave  a  sermon  on  Heb.  xii,  28,  29  :  we 
had  three  sermons,  N.  Snethen  and  Jesse  Lee  having  fol- 
lowed me. 

Monday,  24,  at  Pennington's  I  spoke  on  Heb.  xiii,  20,  21. 
As  we  had  reason  to  believe  the  river  Notaway  was  impas- 
sable at  Allen's  bridge,  we  rode  back  seven  miles  to  Smith's. 
Tuesday  morning  we  had  to  ride  nearly  one  mile  through  the 
water,  which  was  sometimes  knee  deep,  and  sometimes  up  to 
our  horses'  sides :  after  riding  seventeen  miles,  Ave  came  to 
Mr.  Briggs's  about  twelve  o'clock;  the  day  was  extremely 


Arn.,  1800.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


447 


cold,  and  indicative  of  snow  :  we  gave  two  sermons  ;  my  sub- 
ject was  1  Cor.  vii,  29,  30. 

Wednesday,  26.  We  gave  an  exhortation  at  Lane's  chapel ; 
lodged  at  Philip  Davics's  ;  and  on  Thursday,  27,  we  rode  to 
J.  Moody's,  twenty-four  miles :  we  crossed  Blackwater  at 
Broadwater  bridge — it  was  very  deep  warding.  Brother 
Snethen  preached  in  the  evening. 

Friday,  28.  At  Blunt's  chapel :  here  I  was  unable  to  add 
many  words.  The  probability  is,  we  shall  hold  conference 
in  this  neighbourhood,  as  the  smallpox  prevails  in  Norfolk 
and  Portsmouth,  and  the  people  in  this  settlement  have 
made  most  generous  offers  to  the  preachers,  provided  they 
choose  to  sit  in  conference  here. 

Saturday,  29,  was  a  day  of  settled  rain,  and  we  were 
kept  in  the  house,  myself  being  very  unwell. 

Sunday,  30.  We  rode  sixteen  miles  through  damp,  cold, 
and  cloudy  weather,  to  a  meeting-house  near  Everitt's  bridge, 
not  fit  for  a  horse  to  stay  in  :  I  could  not  refrain  from  speaking 
on  Psalm  xii,  1  :  "  Help,  Lord,  for  the  godly  man  ceaseth, 
for  the  faithful  fail  from  among  the  children  of  men."  Sec 
Isaiah  lvii,  1  ;  Micah  vii,  2.  It  was  observed,  First,  What  the 
remaining  remnant  had  to  do  when  the  truly  pious  were  taken 
from  the  earth  : — to  be  godly  ;  truly  gracious  souls  ;  faithful 
— faithfulness  the  test,  and  continued  proof  of  such  souls  :  the 
loss  the  world  and  the  Church  sustained :  moral  men  were 
valuable ;  temperate  men  a  loss  ;  friends  to  liberty  and  re- 
ligion a  loss  ; — milch  more  men  of  sterling  piety. 

Monday,  31.  We  passed  through  Suffolk,  and  called  upon 
Mr.  Cowlings,  whose  pious  father  is  gone  to  rest  since  I  was 
here  last.  After  twenty  years,  I  called  at  Mr.  Yerbery's, 
and  then  came  on  to  Isaac  Lunsford's.  I  was  very  unwell : 
for  some  days  I  have  had  chills,  headache,  and  bilious  symp- 
toms ;  to  this  succeeded  violent  vomiting,  and  a  desperate 
night. 

Tuesday,  April  1.  We  came  to  William  Wright's,  on  Pig- 
Point,  where  I  preached  a  little  on  Heb.  x,  29. 

Wednesday,  2.  At  Crany  Island  chapel :   here  dreadful 


448 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Apr.,  1800. 


havoc  hath  been  made  by  James  O'Kelly ;  a  peaceable  so- 
ciety of  nearly  fifty  souls  are  divided,  and  I  fear  in  the  end 
some  may  be  destroyed :  how  he  hath  done  this  work  we 
may  know  by  reading  his  Apology.  N.  Snethen  gave  a 
great  discourse  on  2  Cor.  xiii,  5-7.  It  is  astonishing  to 
hear  the  falsehoods  published  against  me.  I  lodged  at  James 
Carney's. 

Thursday,  3.  At  Jolliff 's  I  read  a  most  gracious  account 
of  the  work  of  God  on  the  eastern  shore — in  Cecil  county, 
Duck  Creek,  and  Dover,  in  the  State  of  Delaware.  I  pub- 
lished it  in  the  congregation,  reading  the  letter :  my  sub- 
jects on  which  I  preached,  were  Heb.  xii,  15,  and  Luke  xvii,  5. 

Friday,  4.  We  rode  to  James  Taylor's :  I  was  deeply  afflict- 
ed, probably  occasioned  by  my  eating  of  fish :  I  exhorted  a 
little,  administered  the  Lord's  supper,  and  then  rode  twenty 
miles  to  Portsmouth,  and  gave  a  brief  exhortation  in  the  neat, 
new  house.  Saturday  I  visited  the  brethren  in  Norfolk : 
they  presented  me  with  a  plan  of  a  new  house,  fifty  by  seventy  ; 
and,  wonder  of  wonders  !  it  is  to  be  built  on  the  lot  adjoining 
that  on  which  the  old  Episcopal  church  stands ! 

Sunday,  6.  My  subject  was  1  Cor.  xi,  1-5.  We  adminis- 
tered the  sacrament.  In  the  afternoon  I  exhorted  in  Ports- 
mouth, but  it  was  an  offence  to  some  that  I  did  not  preach, 
weak  as  I  was ;  and  we  had  to  administer  the  sacrament  here 
also. 

Monday,  1.  We  rode  forty  miles  to  William  Powell's,  in 
Isle  of  Wight  county :  it  caused  tears  and  some  disappoint- 
ment, because  I  did  not  stop  at  Suffolk. 

Tuesday,  8.  We  went  on  to  William  Blunt's.  Wednesday, 
Thursday,  and  Friday,  we  passed  in  close,  comfortable  con- 
ference. We  had  great  accounts  of  the  work  of  God  in  the 
State  of  Delaware,  and  also  Franklin  circuit  in  Virginia.  We 
had  grace,  but  no  gold,  and  we  wanted  one  hundred  and  forty- 
three  dollars  of  silver  to  pay  the  just  demands  of  the  preachers 
to  their  sixty-four  dollars  per  year.  Friday  afternoon  we  rode 
fifteen  miles  to  Mooring'*. 

Saturday,  12.  We  rode  tMelve  miles  to  old  Jamestown 


Apr.,  1800.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


449 


ferry  :  we  crossed,  and  had  a  very  good  passage,  notwithstand- 
ing it  was  a  very  stormy  day  at  times,  with  heavy  showers : 
we  then  rode  twelve  miles  to  James  City,  and  lodged  at  Ed- 
mund Taylor's  :  my  company  felt  the  effects  of  being  exposed 
to  the  rain :  I  was  safe  under  a  cover,  but  had  as  much  as  I 
could  well  bear. 

Sabbath,  13.  I  preached  at  James  City  chapel,  on  Col. 
iii,  1,2:  we  concluded  our  meeting  at  two  o'clock,  dined,  and 
rode  sixteen  miles  to  the  widow  Kerby's.  A  great  hail  storm 
came  on  a  few  minutes  after  we  got  in. 

Monday,  14.  After  the  rain  was  over,  we  stood  our  course 
to  Hampton :  we  came  in  about  two  o'clock.  Brother  M'Ken- 
dree  preached  the  funeral  sermon  of  a  little  child  at  three 
o'clock,  myself  spoke  at  five,  brother  Snethen  at  seven  o'clock. 
My  subject  was  Phil,  iii,  8-10. 

Tuesday,  15.  We  rode  back  to  York.  I  saw  the  grave 
where  was  buried  the  effigy  of  General  Washington,  at  the 
probable  place  where  Lord  Cornwallis  delivered  up  his  sword 
to  him.    We  lodged  at  brother  John  Stubb's,  in  Gloucester. 

Wednesday,  16.  At  Mount  Zion,  Jesse  Lee  came  in  before 
us,  and  had  begun  to  preach  :  I  had  a  headache  and  fever,  so 
said  but  little  ;  I  had  the  pleasure  of  beholding  with  my  eyes 
the  excellent  plantation  of  Mr.  Tabb,  and  of  receiving  every 
favour  the  heart  of  love  and  the  hand  of  liberality  could  be- 
stow.   I  am  a  stranger  that  tarried. 

Thursday,  11.  At  Cheese  Cake  I  said  a  little  upon  James 
ii,  5  :  here  is  a  new  house  and  society.  Since  I  was  here  ten 
years  ago,  my  old  friend  Douglas  is  gone  to  his  long  home. 

Friday,  18.  We  came  in  haste  to  Urbana,  fifteen  miles. 
There  had  been  some  notice  given  that  there  would  be  preach- 
ing here  :  the  court-house  doors  were  opened,  but  not  one  soid 
appeared  ;  we  paraded  upon  the  green  awhile,  and  then  went 
to  the  ferry — wind  and  tide  both  ahead,  a  leaky  boat,  weak 
hands  and  oars,  heavily  loaded  in  the  bow  with  four  horses, 
and  one  of  them  ready  to  leap  out :  they  cried  out  to  me  to 
put  back ;  after  some  hesitation,  I  thought  we  must  go  back 
or  to  the  bottom  :  after  cruising  two  miles,  brother  M'Kendree 


450 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [May,  1800. 


and  brother  Sncthen  waited ;  brother  Andrews  and  myself 
covered  our  retreat  by  riding  twenty  miles  into  Essex,  and 
about  sunset  stopped  at  the  widow  Hundley's. 

Saturday,  19.  We  rode  fourteen  miles  to  S.  Coles's.  I 
judge  I  have  travelled  little  short  of  five  hundred  miles  this 
route,  over  Virginia ;  having  been  in  nineteen  counties. 

Monday,  21.  We  rode  twenty-five  miles  through  a  storm 
of  rain  to  the  widow  Bauzee's. 

Tuesday,  22.  We  crossed  at  Port  Royal,  and  came  to  the 
widow  Bombry's :  here  we  joined  brothers  M'Kendree  and 
Snethen.  Wednesday,  23,  we  rode  forty  miles  to  Waid's,  near 
Dumfries,  and  Thursday,  24,  to  Alexandria,  and  gave  a  short 
discourse  on  James  i,  12.  I  knew  not  which  was  best — to 
attend  the  quarterly  meeting  in  Fairfax,  or  to  go  to  Baltimore  ; 
I  at  length  concluded  upon  the  latter.  We  came  through  the 
federal  city,  and  were  afterward  lost  an  hour  in  the  woods, 
and  were  benighted.  We  called  on  the  widow  of  senior  John 
Worthington,  and  saw  the  old  mansion ;  we  were  kindly  en- 
tertained, and  had  a  comfortable  night's  rest. 

Maryland. — Saturday,  26.  We  came  to  the  city  of  Balti- 
more, where  I  found  cause  of  joy  and  sorrow. 

Sabbath  day,  27.  I  attempted  a  discourse  on  James  v,  8,  9. 
Bishop  Coke  is  on  his  way  to  this  city. 

Monday,  28.  I  visited,  and  prepared  for  the  arrangement 
of  the  preachers  at  the  annual  conference  for  another  year. 
The  great  accounts  of  the  work  of  God  in  various  parts,  are 
as  cordials  to  my  soul.  I  am  persuaded  that  upon  an  exact 
measurement,  I  have  travelled  eleven  hundred  miles  from  the 
10th  of  February,  to  the  27th  of  April:  my  horse  is  poor, 
and  my  carriage  is  greatly  racked. 

Thursday,  May  1.  We  opened  our  conference,  and  in  three 
days  we  concluded  our  work  in  peace. 

Monday,  5.  We  came  to  Baltimore,  and  Tuesday,  (>.  we 
opened  our  General  Conference,  which  held  until  Tuesday,  20. 
We  had  much  talk,  but  little  work  :  two  days  were  spent  in 
considering  about  Doctor  Coke's  return  to  Europe,  part  of 
two  days  on  Richard  Whatcoat  for  a  bishop,  and  one  day  in 


Mat,  1800.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


451 


raising  the  salary  of  the  itinerant  preachers  from  sixty-four  to 
eighty  dollars  per  year.  We  had  one  hundred  and  sixteen 
members  present.  It  was  still  desired  that  I  should  continue 
in  my  station.  On  the  18th  of  May,  \§00,  elder  Whatcoat 
was  ordained  to  the  office  of  a  bisliop,  after  being  elected  by 
a  majority  of  four  votes  more  than  Jesse  Lee.  The  unction 
that  attended  the  word  was  great — more  than  one  hundred 
souls,  at  different  times  and  places,  professed  conversion  du- 
ring the  sitting  of  conference.  I  was  weary,  but  sat  very  close 
in  conference.    My  health  is  better  than  when  we  began. 

Tuesday,  20.  I  came  to  Greenwood,  (Philip  Rogers's,)  and 
Wednesday,  21,1  preached  at  Patapsco  Neck  chapel,  on  Psalm 
lxxx,  17-19.  We  called  at  Tobias  Stansbury's,  and  dined, 
talked,  and  prayed  with  his  afflicted  wife,  who  felt  her  con- 
fidence in  God.  We  then  came  on  to  Perry  Hall,  and  were 
received  with  great  openness  of  heart.  Mrs.  Gough  is,  I  hope, 
dying  to  the  world,  and  living  to  Jesus.  Mr.  Gough  is  most 
affectionately  kind. 

Thursday,  22.  We  came  to  Gunpowder  Neck:  bishop 
Whatcoat  preached  and  I  exhorted :  I  trust  the  Lord  will  re- 
turn to  this  house.  I  believe  some  felt  the  word  this  day. 
We  went  home  with  Stephen  Watters,  once  more,  after  an 
absence  of  sixteen  years. 

Friday,  23.  We  came  to  Abingdon:  the  bricks  are  fallen 
down ;  the  probability  is  we  shall  not  rebuild  with  hewn 
stones.  My  text  was  Isa.  xl,  10:  "Behold  the  Lord  God 
will  come  with  strong  hand,  and  his  arm  shall  rule  for  him  ; 
behold  his  reward  is  with  him,  and  his  work  before  him." 
This  text  was  given  me  by  opening  my  Bible  at  the  sitting  of 
the  General  Conference,  when  I  trembled  a  little  for  the  ark. 
The  people  have  improved  the  chapel  here ;  it  was  not  burnt 
with  the  college,  although  it  was  within  twenty  yards.  We 
lodged  at  William  Smith's ;  it  is  above  twenty  years  since  I 
lodged  at  his  father's  house. 

Saturday,  24.  We  were  at  Bush  Forest  chapel — the  most 
ancient  in  this  circuit :  my  subject  was  Isa.  xxxv,  3-G. 

Sabbath  day.  We  were  crowded,  as  it  was  quarterly  meet- 


452 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [June,  1800. 


ing.  I  went  home  with  J.  W.  Dallam  :  I  walked  to  the  grave 
of  my  once  dear  Sally,  his  former  wife. 

Delaware. — Monday,  26.  I  crossed  Susquehannah,  and 
came  to  North  East*  we  stopped  a  night  at  Howell's ;  brother 
Whatcoat  preached. 

Tuesday,  27.  We  rode  up  to  Back  Creek,  (a  Bethel  indeed  ;) 
at  four  o'clock,  I  gave  a  brief  discourse  on  1  Cor.  vii,  29-31. 
The  people  sang  and  leaped  for  joy  of  heart  ;  they  have 
beaten  down  strong  drink,  and  the  power  of  God  is  come. 
We  lodged  at  John  Caman's. 

Wednesday,  28.  At  the  Manor  chapel  we  had  a  great  time  ; 
my  soul  was  divinely  refreshed.    We  lodged  at  Gov.  Bassett's. 

Thursday,  29.  We  came  down  to  Bridgetown,  at  the  head 
of  Chester  River.  In  the  evening  I  lectured  upon  Luke  xix,  44  : 
"  Because  thou  knewest  not  the  time  of  thy  visitation."  I 
gave  the  people  one  caution  : — I  observed,  First,  What  always 
marked  a  time  of  visitation  to  a  people  collectively  and  indi- 
vidually. Secondly,  What  our  Lord  must  mean  by  knowing 
or  not  knowing  this  time  of  visitation  ;  that  it  was  the  im- 
proving the  time  for  all  the  valuable  purposes  designed. 
Thirdly,  The  dreadful  consequences  which  will  undoubtedly 
follow  the  not  knowing,  not  improving  a  time  of  visitation ; 
that  we  might  fear  that  every  calamity  which  might  come  on 
us  in  time  was  judicial, — and  eternal  torment.  I  have  been 
led  to  meditate  upon  what  are  the  happy  consequences  of  a 
revival  of  religion ;  pure  doctrine,  strict  discipline,  great  har- 
mony, love,  and  life. 

Friday,  30.  We  were  at  Blackstone's  chapel:  brother 
Whatcoat  preached  ;  I  gave  a  short  exhortation ;  and  several 
of  the  preachers  joined  in  prayer.  I  rode  in  the  afternoon 
into  Dover  forest,  and  lodged  at  Cox's,  formerly  Lockwood's ; 
but  he  is  gone  hence :  the  people  could  remember  that  I  had 
not  been  in  this  neighbourhood  for  fifteen  years. 

Saturday,  31.  I  preached  at  the  forest  chapel,  on  Habak- 
kuk  iii,  2,  and  rode  to  Dover  that  evening. 

Sunday,  June  1 .  This  was  a  day  to  be  remembered :  we 
began  our  love-feast  at  half-past  eight ;  meeting  was  contin- 


June,  1800.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


453 


ued  (except  one  hour's  intermission)  until  four  o'clock,  and 
some  people  never  left  the  house  until  nearly  midnight :  many 
souls  professed  to  find  the  Lord.  In  the  evening  I  rode  up 
to  Duck  Creek,  to  meet  the  conference. 

Monday,  2.  We  had  sixty-six  preachers,  all  connected  with 
the  business  of  conference :  Ave  sat  closely  six  hours  each 
day,  until  Friday  6,. when  about  nine  o'clock  the  conference 
rose.  One  hour  was  spent  in  public  each  day ;  but  the  peo- 
ple would  not  leave  the  house  day  nor  night :  in  short,  such 
a  time  hath  been  seldom  known:  the  probability  is,  that 
above  one  hundred  souls  were  converted  to  God.  The  sta- 
tioning of  the  preachers  was  a  subject  that  took  my  atten- 
tion ;  it  was  with  the  greatest  difficulty  I  could  unbend  my 
mind  from  this  one  hour,  yea,  many  minutes,  by  day  or  night, 
until  I  read  the  plan.  I  felt  myself  bound  in  spirit,  and  per- 
haps conscience  also,  to  push  on  to  hold  the  next  Sabbath  in 
Philadelphia.  Bishop  Whatcoat  and  myself  hasted  to  Wil- 
mington on  Friday  ;  and  on  Saturday  we  dined  with  Mary 
Withy,  now  raised  above  her  doubts,  and  rejoicing  in  God ; 
through  her  instrumentality  a  small  society  is  raised  in  Ches- 
ter, and  she  hath  fed  the  Lord's  prophets  twenty-eight  or 
twenty-nine  years.  We  came  on  to  Schuylkill ;  and  thence 
to  Philadelphia. 

Pennsylvania. — Sunday,  8.  I  preached  morning  and 
evening,  at  Fourth-street ;  now  making  what  it  ought  to  be, 
and  seated  properly.  I  preached  at  the  African  church,  on 
2  Peter  iii,  17,  18,  and  at  St.  George's,  on  1  Peter  i,  5-7.  I 
spoke  only  once  at  the  conference ;  my  subject  was  Psalm 
xxix,  9  :  "  And  in  his  temple  doth  every  one  speak  of  his  glory ;" 
truly  fulfilled  at  that  time  and  place.  Surely  we  may  say  our 
Pentecost  is  fully  come  this  year,  when  we  recollect,  what 
God  hath  wrought  in  Edisto  in  South,  and  Guilford  in  North 
Carolina;  in  Franklin,  Amelia,  and  Gloucester,  in  Virginia; 
in  Baltimore,  and  Cecil,  in  Maryland ;  in  Dover,  Duck  Creek, 
and  Milford,  in  Delaware !  My  health  is  restored,  to  the  as- 
tonishment of  myself  and  friends.  Monday  and  Tuesday  in 
Philadelphia. 


454 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [June,  1800. 


New-Jersey. — We  rode  to  Burlington,  through  excessive 
heat  and  dust,  in  company  with  Richard  Whatcoat  and  Jesse 
Lee  :  the  latter  wished  to  preach  in  the  evening,  and  go  on  in 
the  morning.  The  Baptist  minister  had  appointed  a  lecture, 
and  invited  brother  Lee  to  take  his  place :  he  accepted,  and 
preached  an  appropriate  sermon,  on  Acts  x,  25. 

Thursday,  12.  I  gave  a  lecture  in  Burlington  on  1  Cor  vii, 
29-31  :  this  is  an  awful  place. 

Friday,  13.  We  came  through  heat  and  dust  to  New  Mills  : 
we  were  comforted  in  God  ;  brother  Whatcoat  preached  ;  I 
made  a  short  discourse  on  Heb.  x,  32.  I  wished  some  to 
look  back  to  former  feelings,  duties,  experiences,  and  days. 
We  have  ridden  above  one  hundred  miles  since  our  departure 
from  Duck  Creek. 

Saturday,  14.  We  had  to  stretch  along  through  Julia, 
Job's,  and  Reckla's  towns,  to  Cross  Creek.  We  stopped  and 
fed  at  Mr.  Lovell's ;  where  we  refreshed  ourselves  for  an 
hour :  we  then  came  on  to  M.  Moore's,  where  I  preached  on 
Rom.  xii,  1,  2.  We  then  took  the  road  through  Allenlown, 
to  Joseph  Hutchinson's;  and  came  in,  weak  and  wearied, 
about  five  o'clock. 

Sunday,  15.  At  Milford,  I  gave  a  brief  discourse,  on  Rom. 
xiii,  11:  we  attended  at  Mr.  Ely's  in  the  evening;  a  few 
souls  there  appeared  to  be  deeply  impressed  with  religious 
truth. 

Monday,  1G.  My  horse  drove  heavily ;  and  1  did  not  get 
in  to  Brunswick  until  one  o'clock.  We  had  a  meeting ;  and 
under  exhortation  many  felt  the  word.  We  then  hasted  on 
to  Mr.  Drake's,  near  Amboy,  where  many  were  waiting :  at 
five  o'clock  I  gave  an  exhortation,  and  I  believe  it  was  felt. 

New-York. —  Tuesday,  17.  We  were  at  Staten  Island  ; 
where  there  is  a  neat  meeting-house,  and  as  genteel,  well- 
dressed  a  people  as  in  New-York.  My  subject  was  Hab. 
iii,  2.  Appearances  were  rather  unfavourable :  I  was  very 
unwell,  and  came  back  to  Mr.  Drake's  the  same  evening. 

Wednesday,  18.  We  rode  in  haste  to  New-York;  and  on 
Thv.rsday,    19,   Ave  opened   our  conference;   about  forty 


June,  1800.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


455 


preachers  present.  We  had  some  knotty  subjects  to  talk 
over,  which  we  did  in  great  peace,  plainness,  and  love.  Fri- 
day and  Saturday  we  were  closely  confined  to  business. 
Sabbath.  My  subject  at  the  old  church  was  Romans  xii, 
19-21.  In  my  introduction  I  observed  that  the  text  was 
quoted  from  Lev.  xix,  18,  and  Proverbs  xxv,  21,  22,  that  it 
might  discover  to  us  what  veneration  the  New  Testament- wri- 
ters had  for  the  Old ;  and  what  was  required  in  a  believer, 
under  that  dispensation.  Vengeance  is  not  in  our  province  ; 
we  cannot,  in  civil,  much  less  in  sacred  causes,  be  our  own 
judges  or  jurors :  if  we  must  feed  an  enemy,  and  not  only 
forgive  him  an  injury,  but  do  him  a  favour ;  surely  then  we 
ought  to  love  a  friend,  a  Christian,  and  more  abundantly  a 
minister  of  Christ.  This  day  we  made  a  general  collection  for 
the  support  of  the  travelling  ministry. 

Monday,  23.  Our  conference  concluded  its  sitting.  The 
deficiencies  amount  to  six  hundred  and  ninety  dollars:  the 
moneys  collected  and  the  draft  on  the  chartered  fund, 
amounted  to  four  hundred  and  five  dollars.  A  motion  was 
made  to  move  the  next  yearly  conference  more  into  the  centre 
of  the  work,  but  it  was  lost. 

Tuesday,  24.  I  have  now  a  little  rest.  We  have  had  a 
mighty  stir  in  the  Bowery  church,  for  two  nights  past,  until 
after  midnight ;  perhaps  twenty  souls  have  found  the  Lord. 
Bishop  Whatcoat  preached  the  ordination  sermon  in  the  after- 
noon at  the  Bowery  church.  I  have  now  a  little  time  to 
unbend  my  mind  from  the  stations ;  but  still  my  work  is  not 
done.  Tuesday,  Wednesday,  Thursday,  and  Friday,  I  cm- 
ployed  myself  in  reading,  writing,  and  -visiting. 

Saturday,  28.  We  left  the  city  ;  and  rode  twenty-six  miles 
through  heat,  and  plagued  by  the  flies,  to  my  old  home  at 
the  widow  Sherwood's :  but  my  dear  Betsy  Sherwood,  my 
nurse,  is  gone,  I  trust,  to  glory. 

Sabbath  day,  29.  We  had  a  remarkably  cool  day,  after  a 
great  storm  of  rain  and  hail.  I  attempted  to  preach  at  Sher- 
wood chapel,  on  1  Cor.  xv,  34  :  "  Awake  to  righteousness 
and  sin  not;  for  some  have  not  the  knowledge  of  God.  I 


456 


ASBTJRY'S  JOURNAL.  [JetY,  1800. 


speak  this  to  your  shame."  I  ohserved  that  the  apostle,  in 
Rom.  xiii,  11 ;  Ephes.  v,  14  ;  1  Thess.  v,  6,  and  in  the  text, 
had  indicated  a  sleep  which  professional  and  real  Christians 
might  fall  into — an  awful  insensibility  and  inactivity  to  spiritual 
things,  so  as  to  bring  an  amazing  stupor  on  all  the  powers  of 
the  soul ;  so  that  it  would  be  insensible  to  righteousness, 
which  is  religion — the  justifying,  and  sanctifying,  and  prac- 
tical righteousness  of  a  gracious,  wakeful  soul :  "  Some  have 
not  the  knowledge  of  God  ;"  living  in  sin,  neglecting  duty, 
and  without  the  knowledge  of  God  ;  ignorant  of  the  fear, 
favour,  nature,  and  love  of  God.  Brother  Whatcoat  and 
John  Wilson  both  spoke  ;  souls  were  quickened.  In  the 
afternoon,  at  New-Rochelle,  brother  Whatcoat  preached,  and 
I  gave  an  exhortation ;  many  attended.  I  feel  as  if  there 
would  be  a  revival  of  religion  in  this  circuit  this  year. 

Connecticut. — Monday,  30.  We  came  to  Byram-Bridge, 
and  at  Banks's  we  had  a  crowded  house,  and  a  feeling  time ; 
the  aged  people  were  very  attentive. 

Tuesday,  July  1.  In  consequence  of  our  circumlocutory 
motions  we  have  ridden  about  fifty-five  miles  since  we  left  the 
city  of  New- York.  We  came  to  Stamford,  where  brother 
Whatcoat  gave  a  sermon,  on,  "  The  faith  and  choice  of  Moses." 
I  had  only  time  to  speak  a  few  words,  on  Luke  xix,  44. 

Wednesday,  2.  We  rode  on  to  Norwalk ;  stopped  an  hour 
at  brother  Day's,  and  thence  rode  on  to  Fairfield.  It  was  a 
cool  day.  We  had  an  elegant  view :  the  fields  in  full  dress, 
laden  with  plenty  ;  a  distant  view  of  Long  Island  and  the 
Sound ;  the  spires  of  steeples  seen  from  distant  hills — this 
country  is  one  continuity  of  landscape.  My  mind  is  com- 
forted and  drawn  out  in  prayer.  We  had  not  time  to  feed 
nor  rest.  It  was  with  some  exertions  we  came  in  time  to 
Joseph  Hall's,  at  Poquonak.  After  we  got  a  little  refresh- 
ment and  rest,  I  gave  them  a  short  discourse,  on  Luke  x,  2. 
Strength  and  time  failed  me,  and  I  could  not  finish  and  apply 
as  I  wished. 

Thursday,  3.  We  came  to  Stratford,  and  stopped  at  bro- 
ther Wheeler's. 


July,  1800.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


457 


Friday,  4.  The  weather  is  damp  and  very  warm.  We 
came  on  to  New-Haven,  where  they  were  celebrating  the 
Fourth  of  July.  I  fear  some  of  them  have  broken  good  order, 
and  become  independent  of  strict  sobriety.  Bishop  Whatcoat 
preached  in  the  Sandemanian  meeting-house  purchased  by  the 
Methodists. 

Saturday,  5.  We  rode  through  excessive  heat,  over  rocks 
and  hills,  to  North  Bristol,  twenty  miles.  I  discoursed  with 
some  liberty  on  Acts  xxvi,  1 8. 

Sabbath  day,  6.  We  rode  six  miles  to  Punsit's  new  meet- 
ing-house. A  revival  of  religion  has  begun  here ;  a  dozen 
souls  have  professed  to  find  the  Lord,  and  several  young 
people  are  under  gracious  visitations,  and  the  aged  are  ex- 
ceedingly cheered  at  the  prospect.  Bishop  Whatcoat  preached 
in  the  morning,  and  in  the  evening  I  made  some  improvement 
from  1  Peter  ii,  11,  12;  after  which  we  administered  the 
sacrament.  We  were  engaged  five  hours  in  public  exercises : 
the  day  was  very  warm.  We  have  travelled  since  last  Satur- 
day week  one  hundred  and  forty  miles. 

Monday,  1.  We  rode  sixteen  miles  to  Hadley.  The  day 
was  awfully  warm  until  one  o'clock,  when  a  gust  came  up  of 
wind  and  rain ;  we  ran  from  house  to  house,  and  escaped 
being  much,  wet  j  we  stopped  at  Mr.  Woods's.  Tuesday  we 
rode  on  to  New-London  ;  twenty  miles  of  the  way  the  roads 
were  exceeding  rocky.  My  soul  was  kept  in  peace,  but  under 
great  temptations  of  various  kinds.  We  crossed  Connecticut 
River  at  Chapman's  Ferry,  near  Old  Haddam.  Where  the 
roads  here  are  improved  they  are  made  for  ages,  and  are 
much  superior  to  those  in  the  South  or  West. 

Tuesday,  8.  Bishop  Whatcoat  held  forth  in  the  new  house 
in  New-London  ;  his  subject  was,  "  With  him  is  plenteous  re- 
demption." I  gave  a  discourse  upon,  "  Christ,  the  author 
of  eternal  salvation  to  all  them  that  obey  him." 

Thursday,  10.   We  came  on  to  Norwich  Landing.  I 
preached  in  the  neat,  elegant  Episcopal  church,  on  Acts  iii,  26. 
I  felt  uncommonly  set  at  liberty :  we  had  a  very  decent,  at- 
tentive, well-behaved  congregation.    From  here  we  hasted  on 
Vol.  EL—  20 


458 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


TJi'LY,  1S00. 


to  Norwich  town.  Bishop  Whatcoat  preached.  We  had  a 
most  agreeable  ride  on  the  turnpike  road,  upon  each  side 
beautifully  smiling  with  variety  and  plenty  ;  the  stage  passed 
us  like  a  whirlwind. 

Friday,  1 1 .  We  came  to  Preston,  and  were  kindly  enter- 
tained at  Isaac  Hcrrick's.  It  was  the  very  height  of  rye  har- 
vest, yet  many  came  together.  I  was  greatly  led  out  on  the 
great  salvation.  I  was  refreshed  in  soul  and  body,  and  rode 
on  in  the  evening  to  Nathan  Herrick's.  The  simplicity  and 
frugality  of  New-England  is  desirable — you  see  the  woman  a 
mother,  mistress,  maid,  and  wife,  and  in  all  these  characters 
a  conversable  woman ;  she  seeth  to  her  own  house,  parlour, 
kitchen,  and  dairy ;  here  are  no  noisy  negroes  running  and 
lounging.  If  you  wish  breakfast  at  six  or  seven  o'clock  there 
is  no  setting  the  table  an  hour  before  the  provision  can  be 
produced. 

Saturday,  12.  We  took  our  departure  for  Rhode  Island 
through  Plainfield.  The  weather  is  still  excessively  warm  ;  the 
roads  sandy,  stony,  and  rocky,  notwithstanding  the  turnpike. 
We  passed  Sterling,  the  last  town  in  Connecticut.  We  wan- 
dered a  mile  or  two  out  of  our  way,  and  had  to  pay  for  it,  by 
going  a  cross  path  :  we  made  it  twenty-six  miles  to  General 
Lippelt's.  The  general  hath  built  a  neat  chapel  for  the  use 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  near  his  house.  I  was 
taken  with  one  of  my  bilious  eruptions  through  the  night. 

Rhode  Island. — Sunday,  ]  3.  Richard  Whatcoat  preached 
in  the  morning.  In  the  afternoon  my  subject  was  Exod. 
xx,  24  :  "  In  all  places  where  I  record  my  name  I  will  come 
unto  thee,  and  I  will  bless  thee."  It  was  a  feeling  time :  al- 
though I  was  very  unwell  all  the  day,  I  could  not  stand  back 
from  duty. 

Monday,  14.  We  came  on  our  way  to  Boston,  through 
Providence ;  here  we  did  not  stop — the  time  is  not  yet  come. 
We  stopped  to  feed  at  a  house  that  was  not  very  agreeable 
to  me,  and  I  was  glad  to  come  off  without  dining.  We 
came  to  Deacon  Stanley's,  at  Attleborough,  where  we  took 
some  refreshment,  and  reached  Mr.  Guild's,  and  took  lodging. 


JfLY.lSOO.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


459 


Massaciu'etts. — Tuesday,  15.  We  came  through  Wrent- 
ham,  Walpole,  Dedham,  and  Roxborough  to  Boston :  it  was 
a  damp  dav,  with  an  easterly  wind,  unfriendly  to  my  breast. 
As  they  were  about  finishing  our  church  we  could  not  preach 
in  it.  The  new  State-house  here  is,  perhaps,  one  of  the  most 
simply  elegant  in  the  United  States.  We  made  our  home  at 
Edward  Haynes's,  late  from  England,  where  we  had  most 
agreeable  accommodations  after  our  toil. 

Thursday,  17.  We  have  dry  weather.  We  came  through 
much  dust  to  Lynn. 

Friday,  18.  We  sat  in  Conference  ;  there  were  twenty-one 
members  present ;  we  had  great  peace  and  union. 

Saturday,  19.  The  conference  rose,  after  voting  the  session 
of  the  next  yearly  conference  to  be  held  at  Lynn.  And  now 
the  toil  of  six  conferences  in  seven  months,  and  the  riding  of 
thirteen  hundred  miles,  is  over.  I  found  some  difficulty  in 
stationing  the  married  preachers. 

Sabbath  day,  20.  We  had  an  elaborate  ordination  sermon 
from  Matt,  ix,  36-38 :  "  But  when  he  saw  the  multitudes, 
he  was  moved  with  compassion  on  them,  because  they 
fainted,  and  were  scattered  abroad,  as  sheep  having  no  shep- 
herd," (fee.  There  had  been  a  long  drought  here,  and  nature 
seemed  as  if  she  were  about  to  droop  and  die.  We  addressed 
the  throne  of  grace  most  fervently  and  solemnly,  and  had 
showers  of  blessings.  Whilst  I  was  preaching  the  wind  came 
up  and  appeared  to  whirl  round  to  every  point,  and  most 
gracious  rain  came  on :  this  I  considered  as  a  most  signal  in- 
stance of  Divine  goodness. 

Monday,  21.  We  came  to  Boston,  and  preached  in  the  Ta- 
bernacle, now  nearly  finished,  on  Heb.  iii,  12-14.  We  were 
generously  entertained  at  Edward  Haynes's. 

Tuesday,  22.  Bishop  Whatcoat  preached  in  Boston,  from 
Psalm  cxvi,  7.  Wednesday  we  came  thirteen  miles  to  Wal- 
tham,  where  we  had  a  meeting;  the  subject  was  Rev. 
xxi,  6,  7. 

Friday,  25.  We  rode  through  Weston,  where  is  a  grand 
steeple,  porches,  and  even  stalls  for  the  horses  ;  and  it  is  well 


460 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [July,  1800. 


if  they  do  not  make  the  Methodists  pay  to  support  their  pomp. 
O  !  religion  in  New-England  !  We  came  through  Needham, 
Sherburne,  and  Holliston,  and  made  it  thirty  miles  over 
Crook's  Hills,  through  excessive  heat.  We  had  not  time  to 
stop  to  feed,  as  we  had  appointed  meeting  at  Milford,  where 
we  arrived  a  little  after  one  o'clock.  I  was  obliged  to  let 
brother  Whatcoat  ride  in  the  carriage,  or  I  fear  he  would 
have  fainted  ;  this  made  me  low-spirited,  and  unfit  to  answer 
questions. 

Saturday,  26.  We  had  to  ride  through  excessive  warmth 
thirty  miles  to  Thompson's,  but  we  took  the  day  for  it :  we 
got  to  Capt.  Nicholls's  about  six  o'clock,  where  we  have  a 
house  built,  and  some  ground  to  set  our  feet  upon.  I  have 
been  of  late  powerfully  tempted,  and  distressed  in  mind  and 
bod}7.  We  had  a  finely-dressed  congregation — a  good  name 
is  a  great  matter  with  these  people.  0  Baxter !  are  these 
thy  apostate  children  ?  Will  Methodism  ever  live  in  such 
whited  walls  and  painted  sepulchres  as  these  people,  who  de- 
light to  dwell  insensible  to  the  life  of  religion,  and  closed  up 
in  their  own  formality  and  imaginary  security?  We  have 
now  returned  to  the  first  town  in  Connecticut. 

Connecticut. — Sunday,  27.  I  preached  at  the  new  house 
in  Thompson  :  my  subject  was  Mark  viii,  34. 

I.  I  observed  the  harmony  of  the  evangelists,  Matthew  and 
Luke  with  Mark. 

II.  That  our  Lord  had  given  the  clusters  of  the  grapes  of 
the  promised  land  in  blessings  and  promises. 

III.  He  had  given  such  demonstrations  of  his  power  upon 
the  bodies  of  men  ;  the  dead  were  raised,  the  hungry  fed,  the 
lepers  cleansed,  the  lame  and  the  blind  were  restored,  the 
wind  and  the  sea  were  at  his  command. 

IV.  He  opened  the  distinguishing  conditions  of  discipleship  ; 
the  denial  of  self  in  every  temper  and  affection  that  is  evil. 
They  that  seek  to  save  their  lives  by  denying  Christ,  shall 
lose  soul  and  body ;  if  it  is  through  pride  and  shame,  Christ 
will  not  dishonour  himself  by  owning  such  in  the  day  of 
judgment. 


Aug.,  1800.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


40  I 


Bishop  Whatcoat  preached  in  the  afternoon  on,  "  Acquaint 
now  thyself  -with  him,  and  be  at  peace,"  &c. 

Monday,  28.  We  rode  sixteen  miles  to  the  north  end  of 
Eastford.  We  have  travelled  nearly  one  hundred  miles  since 
our  departure  from  Lynn.  My  subject  at  Joseph  Work's 
was  Matt,  v,  1 1 :  "  Blessed  are  ye  when  men  shall  revile  you  and 
persecute  you,  and  shall  say  all  manner  of  evil  of  you  falsely 
for  my  sake."  We  lodged  at  Nathan  Palmer's.  I  stopped 
a  few  minutes  at  Mr.  Woodward's,  in  Ashford.  We  came 
on  to  Coventry,  twenty  miles.  We  stopped  at  John  Searles's, 
and  were  exceedingly  well  accommodated,  both  man  and 
horse. 

Wednesday,  30.  We  rode  to  Mr.  Spencer's,  in  Hartford. 
My  mind  is  in  peace ;  but  I  have  uncomfortable  feelings  in 
my  body.  Here  I  met  brothers  Bostwick  and  Borrough. 
We  have  a  house  built  in  Spencertown  for  the  Lord,  and  now 
they  are  building  one  for  the  Lord's  servants — for  the  married 
preachers  to  live  in  who  are  sent  to  the  circuit. 

Thursday^  31.  Was  excessively  warm;  we  made  it  a  little 
less  than  thirty  miles  to  Bristol ;  we  stopped  to  feed  our 
horses,  'but  neglected  ourselves.  When  we  came  to  Samuel 
Smith's  we  were  nearly  outdone  by  excessive  heat  and  hun- 
ger. This  day  we  crossed  Connecticut  River,  and  passed  the 
cities  of  Hartford  and  Farmington. 

Friday,  Aityust  1.  Freeborn  Garrettson  came  up  with  us: 
he  attended  the  funeral  of  the  venerable  mother  Livingston, 
who  was  suddenly  and  safely  called  home,  aged  seventy- 
eight,  removed  by  a  paralytic,  and  probably  it  was  apoplec- 
tic also:  perhaps  it  was  about  thirty-four  years  ago  that  this 
godly  woman  was  awakened  under  the  first  sermon  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Sadly  preached  in  the  Reformed  Low  Dutch  church  in 
New-York,  as  she  told  me ;  nor  she  alone,  but  six  or  eight 
other  respectable  women.  Madam  Livingston  was  one  that 
gave  invitation  to  the  Methodist  preachers  to  come  to  Rhine- 
beck,  and  received  them  into  her  house ;  and  would  have  given 
them  more  countenance  had  she  been  under  no  other  influ- 
ence than  that  of  the  Spirit  of  God  and  her  own  feelings.  I 


4G2  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Aug.,  1800. 

visited  her  one  year  before  her  death,  and  spent  a  night  at 
her  mansion;  she  was  sensible,  conversable,  and  hospitable. 

Saturday,  2.  We  attended  the  quarterly  meeting  for  Litch- 
field circuit :  my  subject  was  2  Pet.  iii,  17,  18.  I  had  liberty 
in  preaching,  and  some  felt  tenderness  of  heart,  and  evinced 
it  with  weeping  eyes. 

Sunday,  3.  We  had  a  living  love-feast ;  some  from  Water- 
bury  were  fervent  in  spirit,  serving  the  Lord.  We  had  a 
crowded  congregation,  a  close  day,  and  the  house  was  shut 
up.  In  consequence  of  my  breast  being  weak,  I  declined 
speaking  in  public.  Bishop  Whatcoat  preached,  and  F.  Gar- 
rettson  exhorted.  Our  meeting  began  at  eight  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  and  continued,  with  a  few  minutes'  intermission, 
until  two  in  the  afternoon ;  after  which  we  came  off,  over 
dreadful  roads,  twelve  miles  to  Torringford.  I  was  pleased 
to  see  a  house  bought  and  fixed  for  brothers  Joclin  and 
Batchelor,  the  stationed  preachers  of  the  circuit,  and  their 
wives.  These  brethren  we  left  behind  to  improve  in  the  after 
part  of  the  Sabbath,  and  quarterly-meeting. 

New-York. — Monday,  4.  We  came  on  and  stopped  at 
Goshen,  at  Captain  Wright's.  The  people  flocked  together 
at  a  short  warning,  and  I  gave  a  discourse  on  Isa.  xxxv,  3-6  ; 
after  which  we  dined,  and  came  on  across  the  hills  and  over 
dreadful  rocky  roads  to  Cornwall,  where  brother  Whatcoat 
preached  in  the  meeting-house,  on,  "  We  know  that  we  are 
of  God,  and  the  whole  world  licth  in  wickedness." 

Tuesday,  5.  We  had  another  tolerable  siege  over  the 
Housatonic  river  and  hills  to  Sharon.  Here  brother  What- 
coat preached  on,  "  The  Lord  knoweth  how  to  deliver  the 
godly  out  of  temptation,  and  to  reserve  the  unjust  to  the  day 
of  judgment,  to  be  punished."  I  gave  an  exhortation,  and 
then  we  came  rapidly,  fifteen  miles,  to  C.  Levie's,  in  the  Nine 
Partners. 

Wednesday,  6.  We  came  to  Row's :  bishop  Whatcoat 
preached,  on  1  John  iv,  17.  I  gave  an  exhortation  :  we  then 
came  on  to  Robert  Sands's,  and  lodged  all  night.  We  came 
on  to  Freeborn  Garrettson's  new  design,  upon  the  Rhinebeck 


463 


Flats.  He  hath  a  beautiful  land  and  water  prospect,  and  a 
good,  simply  elegant,  useful  house  for  God,  his  people,  and 
the  family.  We  have  ridden  between  eighty  and  ninety  miles 
since  last  Sabbath  ;  not  less  than  five  hundred  and  fifty  since 
we  departed  from  New- York ;  and  one-third  of  the  roads 
were  rocky  and  very  uneven.  I  read  a  book  of  about  five 
hundred  pages,  the  author  of  which  is  a  curious  writer. 

Friday  and  Saturday,  8,  9.  We  regaled  ourselves  and 
horses  upon  the  pleasant  banks  of  the  Hudson  ;  where  the 
passing  and  repassing  of  boats  and  small  craft,  perhaps  fifty 
in  a  day,  is  a  pleasant  sight. 

Sunday,  10.  We  had  a  sermon,  and  administered  the  sa- 
crament at  brother  Garrettson's ;  and  notwithstanding  public 
worship  was  held  at  the  Dutch  Church  at  the  same  hour,  we 
had  a  large  congregation.  Bishop  Whatcoat  and  myself 
filled  up  the  service  of  the  day. 

Monday,  11.  I  rested  and  visited  Dr.  Tillotson,  at  his 
very  elegant  country  seat,  beautifully  situated.  The  house  is 
finely  set  round  with  trees,  and  there  is  a  charming  view  of 
the  North  River.  I  was  unwell  internally.  I  must  always 
take  great  heed  to  what  I  eat. 

Tuesday,  12.  We  came  through  Poughkeepsie — no  place 
for  Methodism.  We  stopped  at  Elijah  Morgan's  ;  brother 
Thacher  was  preaching  when  we  came  in.  We  have  ridden 
twenty-five  miles  this  day,  and  dined  in  the  road  upon  a  water- 
melon that  Mrs.  Tillotson  was  kind  enough  to  give  us  as  we 
came  by  her  house.  I  was  so  unwell  that  I  had  but  little 
appetite  for  anything  else. 

Wednesday,  13.  We  came  on  twenty-five  miles  to  Cort- 
landt-town,  where  we  saw  the  aged,  venerable  pair,  the  lieute- 
nant governor  and  his  lady:  he  is  in  his  eightieth,  and 
she  in  her  seventy-eighth  year.  I  had  a  very  rocky  ride 
over  the  mountains  of  Peekskill.  I  have  great  and  sore 
temptations  at  times,  but  God  is  with  me  ;  I  trust  through 
grace  to  overcome  them  all.  We  stopped  at  Warren's  ;  fed, 
talked,  prayed,  and  refreshed  ourselves  a  little. 

Thursday,  14.  This  day  is  very  warm.    I  preached  at 


464 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Arc,  1800. 


Pcekskill-town,  upon  the  great  salvation.  Brother  Whatcoat 
preached  at  Croton.  We  lodged  at  General  Van  Cort- 
landt's. 

Friday,  15.  At  the  Plains,  Richard  Whatcoat  preached  :  I 
gave  an  exhortation.  We  then  rode  on  in  haste  to  the  widow- 
Sherwood's. 

Saturday,  16.  We  pushed  on  with  great  courage,  towards 
New-York ;  but  when  within  six  miles  of  the  city  my  horse 
blundered  twice,  and  then  came  down  with  great  force  and 
broke  the  shaft.  I  got  out,  and  my  horse  recovered  from 
his  fall.  A  smith's  shop  being  at  hand,  the  shaft  was  mended 
in  an  hour ;  and  we  came  into  New- York  and  found  our  ser- 
vice was  wanting  in  the  city,  there  being  here  only  two 
preachers,  and  one  of  them  disabled. 

Sunday,  17.  We  had  much  rain  ;  the  streets  flowing  with 
water  like  streams.  I  gave  them  a  sermon  at  the  Bowery 
church,  on,  "  Who  gave  himself  for  us  that  he  might  redeem 
us  from  all  iniquity,  and  purify  unto  himself  a  peculiar  people, 
zealous  of  good  works :"  and  at  the  old  church,  John-street, 
I  spoke  on,  "  But  we  are  not  of  them  who  draw  back  unto 
perdition,  but  of  them  that  believe  to  the  saving  of  the  soul." 
It  appeared  most  advisable  to  stay  awhile  on  Monday,  to 
have  a  new  shaft  put  to  the  carriage.  We  landed  at  Powles 
Hook  about  half-past  five  o'clock,  and  pushed  on  to  Newark. 

New-Jersey; — Tuesday,  19.  We  came  off  at  five  o'clock, 
and  reached  Brunswick  by  twelve  o'clock,  where  we  dined 
and  rested,  and  then  continued  on  to  Joseph  Hutchinson's,  at 
Milford,  forty-six  miles.  We  had  a  pleasant  and  cool  ride  for 
the  season. 

Wednesday,  20,  we  came  on  to  Hulet  Hancock's ;  and  on 
Thursday,  21,  reached  Philadelphia.  I  preached  at  St. 
George's;  and  Bishop  Whatcoat  at  the  African  church, 

Pennsylvania. — Friday,  22.  We  rode  to  the  Valley ;  it  was 
warm  enough.    Bishop  Whatcoat  preachedat  Daniel  Met  idith's. 

Saturday,  23.  We  had  a  proper  siege  up  to  Sawderstown, 
and  got  in  by  four  o'clock.  I  gave  a  discourse  on  Heb. 
x,  38,  39. 


Aug.,  1800.]         ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


4C5 


Sabbath  day,  24.  Bishop  Whatcoat  preached  at  Martin 
Boehm's  church,  on  Psalm  lxxii,  16-20.  We  have  now 
ridden,  from  Monday,  one  hundred  and  seventy  miles.  We 
lodged  at  Abraham  Keaggay's.  Our  Dutch  Methodists  are 
as  kind  and  more  lively  than  many  of  the  American  ones. 

Monday,  25.  We  crossed  Susquehannah  at  M'Call's  ferry ; 
it  is  narrow,  but  very  deep  and  rocky.  After  feeding  man 
and  horse,  we  came  on  to  Sittler's  mill,  on  Muddy  Creek. 
As  we  were  ten  miles  from  the  place  we  intended  to  reach, 
well  wearied,  and  having  bad  roads  before  us,  we  brought  to 
an  anchor  here  for  a  night.  What  time  I  have  had  to  read, 
write,  or  journalize,  those  who  know  the  distance  and  difficul- 
ties that  must  have  attended  me  through  the  last  week,  may 
judge ;  it  would  be  impossible  for  me  to  relate  all  the  work- 
ings of  my  heart,  but  I  trust  my  soul  has  been  kept  in 
patience  and  devotion. 

Maryland. — Tuesday,  26.  We  came  into  Maryland  :  some- 
times we  had  no  roads,  and  at  other  times  old  ones  that  the 
wagons  had  left.  Thus  we  bolted*  and  blundered  along  the 
rocky  rivulets  until  we  came  within  sight  of  James  Fisher's. 
The  meeting  had  been  appointed  at  the  widow  Jolly's  :  the 
house  was  large,  and  we  had  no  small  congregation ;  they 
came,  some  to  see  and  some  to  hear.  I  had  walked  where  I 
feared  to  ride,  and  it  was  exceedingly  warni ;  but  I  took 
courage  when  I  saw  the  people :  the  portion  which  I  gave 
them  was,  1  John  ii,  24,  25.  We  had  hardly  time  to  eat  and 
breathe,  before  we  had  to  beat  a  march  over  the  rocks,  eight 
miles  to  Henry  Watters's,  upon  Deer  Creek.  Brother  What- 
coat went  ahead  and  preached,  and  I  came  on  time  enough 
to  exhort  a  little. 

Wednesday,  27.  I  preached  at  the  Forks  meeting-house, 
(fifteen  miles  on  a  carriage  road,)  warm  as  it  was.  Brother 
Whatcoat  gave  us  a  good  sermon,  upon  Psa.  cxvi,  7  :  "  Re- 
turn unto  thy  rest,  O  my  soul ;"  I  exhorted  very  little.  The 
heat  continued.  That  evening  we  came  with  equal  difficulties 
to  Perry  Hall ;  but  the  greatest  trouble  of  all  was,  that  the 
elders  of  the  house  were  not  at  home  :  the  walls,  the  rooms 
20* 


466 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Aug.,  1800. 


no  longer  vocal,  all  to  me  appeared  hung  in  sackcloth.  I 
see  not  the  pleasant  countenances,  nor  hear  the  cheerful 
voices  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gough !  She  is  in  ill  health,  and 
writes  :  "  I  have  left  home,  perhaps  never  to  return."  This 
intelligence  made  me  melancholy.  Mrs.  Gough  hath  been 
my  faithful  daughter  ;  she  never  offended  me  at  any  time. 

Thursday,  28.  At  Perry  Hall  I  preached  on  Matt, 
xi,  28-30.  I  was  visited  by  elders  Bruce  and  Snethen.  I 
heard  the  Reply  to  Mr.  O'Kelly's  Apology  ;  soft  and  defen- 
sive, and  as  little  offensive  as  the  nature  of  the  case  would 
admit.  I  was  invited  to  town,  with  the  assurance  that  there 
was  no  danger  of  the  fever;  but  it  was  very  bad  at  the 
Point. 

Friday  evening,  29.  I  held  forth  in  Light-street,  on  Psalm 
cxv,  1  :  "  Not  unto  us,  0  Lord,  not  unto  us,  but  unto  thy 
name  give  glory,  for  thy  mercy  and  for  thy  truth's  sake." 
My  improvement  was  the  application  to  Christians.  First,  To 
contemplate  mercy  and  truth  in  the  dealings  of  God  to  them 
in  the  Gospel.  Secondly,  That  they  should  disclaim  all  glory 
to  themselves.  Thirdly,  How  the  Jehovah  God  giveth  glory 
to  himself;  and  how  we  should  glorify  him.  Brother  Ro- 
berts wrote  that  they  were  a  thousand  strong  in  Baltimore. 
That  there  hath  been  a  work  in  Annapolis,  is  certain :  indeed 
it  begins  to  be  more  and  more  general  in  the  towns,  and  in 
the  country. 

Saturday,  30.  We  had  a  most  severe  ride,  nearly  twenty 
miles,  to  Daniel  Elliott's.  At  St.  James's  chapel  God  hath 
begun  to  pour  out  his  Spirit ;  and  almost  generally  through 
Montgomery  and  Frederick  circuits. 

Wilson  Lee  is  all  upon  the  wing  in  the  work ;  glory  !  glory  ! 
glory  !  I  will  not  speak  of  numbers  or  particular  cases  with- 
out more  accurate  information,  which  in  my  haste  I  cannot 
noAv  obtain ;  but  without  doubt,  some  hundreds  in  three 
months  have  been  under  awakenings  and  conversions,  upon 
the  western  shore,  District  of  Maryland. 

Sunday,  31.  At  St.  James's  chapel  I  preached  on  Psalm 
xxxvii,  39,  40;  we  had  an  attentive,  solemn  sitting,  and  pow- 


Sept.,  1800.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


467 


erful  prayer  closed  the  whole.  We  dined,  and  rode  on  five 
miles  to  Henry  Hobbes's.  The  people  heard  of  us,  and  ran 
together  in  the  evening.  Brother  Whatcoat  gave  a  lively 
discourse  upon  these  words :  "  Thy  children  shall  be  all 
taught  of  God."  We  had  a  very  quickening  season.  Per- 
haps six  hundred  souls,  in  this  district  and  in  Baltimore,  have 
been  converted  since  the  General  Conference.  Hartford, 
Baltimore,  Calvert,  Federal,  Montgomery,  and  Frederick,  feel 
the  flame.  Monday,  we  hobbled  along  to  Clarkesburg.  On 
the  way  dined  at  Joshua  Pigman's.  Here  I  once  more  saw 
his  brother  Ignatius.  Art  thou  he  ?  Ah !  But  0 !  how 
fallen  !  How  changed  from  what  I  knew  thee  once  !  Lord, 
what  is  man,  if  left  to  himself!  Brother  Whatcoat  attended 
the  meeting,  and  the  people  continued  in  meeting  at  Clarkes- 
burg until  the  morning. 

Tuesday,  September  2.  At  the  Sugar- Loaf,  my  subject  was 
Luke  x,  2-4,  compared  with  Matthew  xiii,  16,  17,  and  1  Pet.  i, 
10-12  ;  wc  were  crowded  :  in  the  exhortations,  prayers,  and 
singing,  the  power  came  down,  and  the  work  went  on  until 
evening.    I  then  rode  to  Mr.  Morton's. 

Virginia. —  Wednesday,  3.  We  came  to  Leesburgh  :  some 
said,  go  this,  and  another  that  way  :  wc  made  it  nearly  twenty 
miles,  and  were  riding  six  hours,  and  crossed  the  Potomac  at 
Conrad's  Ferry.  Brother  George  was  preaching :  Bishop 
Whatcoat  spoke  upon,  "  He  that  believeth  shall  not  make 
haste ;"  but  we  had  to  make  haste,  after  I  had  ordained  S. 
Welsh  and  Eskridge  Hall  to  the  deacon's  office.  After  we 
had  dined,  we  rode  twelve,  if  not  fifteen  miles,  to  the  widow 
Rozzell's :  we  came  in  about  seven  o'clock  ;  and  I  gave  a  dis- 
course on  1  Tim.  iv,  16.  We  have  travelled  about  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  miles  through  Maryland  ;  and  we  have  had 
bad  roads,  but  have  met  with  good  people.  My  soul  hath 
been  agonizing  for  a  revival  upon  the  western  shore  of  Mary- 
land for  many  years,  and  now  the  Lord  hath  sent  it. 

Thursday,  4.  We  came  to  llectortown  :  most  distressing 
roads  for  eighteen  miles.  The  gentry  had  made  a  dinner  at  a 
small  distance  from  the  town — a  kind  of  green-corn  feast, 


4G8 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Sept.,  1800. 


with  a  roasted  animal,  cooked  and  eaten  out  of  doors,  under 
a  booth.  I  was  greatly  wearied  with  the  ride  ;  but  was  ani- 
mated while  explaining  2  Cor.  vi,  1.  I  then  came  to  Benja- 
min Hitt's.  We  have  penetrated  through  Loudon  and  Fau- 
quier counties  in  two  days. 

Friday,  5.  We  stopped  at  the  court-house,  and  were 
richly  entertained  with  a  breakfast,  at  Mr.  Johnson's :  then 
we  rode  on  to  Norman's  Bridge,  and  passed  another  old  field- 
feast,  with  a  race  tacked  to  it.  We  came  to  Roger  Abbott's, 
upon  Mountain  Creek,  in  the  forks  of  the  Rappahannock 
river ;  and  on 

Saturday,  6,  to  Kobler's  ;  where  many  attended  from  differ- 
ent and  distant  parts:  my  text  was  2  Tim.  ii,  15.  We  pur- 
sued our  way  six  miles  to  the  river,  and  lodged  at  a  widow's 
house,  whose  husband  died  in  the  Lord  a  few  years  ago.  We 
had  an  awful  Sabbath  day's  journey,  through  part  of  Cul- 
pepper and  Louisa ;  we  came  to  Ferguson's  about  half  after 
one  o'clock :  the  people  were  waiting  in  the  warm  sun  ;  the 
house  could  not  hold  them  :  after  a  little  rest,  I  cried,  Now  is 
the  day  of  salvation.    We  had  a  hungry  ride  for  thirty  miles. 

Monday,  8.  We  rode  to  Lastley's  meeting-house,  eighteen 
miles :  many  people  were  gone  to  court, — consequently,  few 
at  meeting ;  but  the  Lord  was  eminently  present  whilst  I  en- 
forced Habakkuk  iii,  2. 

Tuesday,  9.  We  rode  to  Risanna  in  Fluvanna  county :  I 
have  seen  the  hot,  warm,  sweet,  yellow,  red,  and  now  have 
passed  the  green  springs.  When  we  came  within  six  miles 
of  Magruder's,  brother  Whatcoat  being  in  the  carriage,  the 
hindmost  brace  gave  way  :  I  took  hold  of  a  sapling  by  the 
road-side,  and  put  it  under  the  body  of  the  carriage,  and 
brother  Magruder  mounted  the  horse,  and  we  soon  came  to 
his  house  :  that  evening  the  breach  was  repaired.  I  took 
William  M'Kendree's  horse,  and  went  on  fourteen  miles,  to 
Richard  Davenport's,  in  Amherst ;  where  we  were  kindly  and 
comfortably  entertained. 

Wednesday,  10.  We  rode  twenty  miles  through  heat  and 
over  hills,  to  North  Garden,  Tandy  Kegs,  Albemarle  county. 


Sett.,  1800.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


409 


I  was  divinely  assisted  while  I  opened  2  Timothy  iv,  2. 
1.  Preach  the  word.  2.  The  application  of  it ;  that  is,  re- 
prove, rebuke,  exhort ;  to  time  his  work ;  be  instant,  in  sea- 
son, out  of  season  ; — in  the  morning,  noon,  and  evening  of 
life  : — when  it  is  the  winter,  spring,  summer,  and  autumn  of 
the  Church  ; — in  her  pleasing  and  unpleasing  prospects. 

Thursday,  11.  We  rode  to  New-Glasgow,  thirty  miles; 
and  were  entertained  most  hospitably  at  Colonel  Merideth's. 

Friday,  12.  We  rode  to  Lynchburg,  twenty  miles.  Samuel 
Mitchell  had  dinner  provided  in  town,  at  Mr.  Miller's,  for  the 
preachers.  I  preached  in  the  Masons'  Hall — a  warm  day  and 
place,  on  Titus  ii,  1 2.  We  then  beat  along  to  Samuel  Mitchell's, 
three  miles  of  rude  roads. 

Saturday,  13.  We  rode  to  New-London  Academy,  sixteen 
miles,  now  under  the  direction  of  Samuel  K.  Jennings,  a  local 
preacher  of  ours :  the  institution  belongeth  to  the  Presby- 
terians and  Episcopalians.  R.  Whatcoat  preached  :  I  was 
deprived  of  my  rest  the  last  evening,  and  very  unwell  ;  yet  I 
gave  a  short  discourse  in  exhortation.  We  have  been  going 
at  such  an  unreasonable  rate,  that  I  have  not  had  time  to  put 
pen  to  paper  for  a  week  together.  Good  news  from  the 
South  District  of  Virginia :  brother  Jackson  writes,  "  Two  hun- 
dred souls  have  been  converted  this  last  quarter ;  there  is  a 
revival  in  all  the  circuits  but  two ;  and  great  union  among  the 
preachers  and  people."    I  am  kept  in  patience,  faith,  and  love. 

Sunday,  14.  We  rode  sixteen  miles  to  Liberty,  and  preached 
in  Bedford  court-house  :  I  was  sick  in  earnest.  When  I  came 
up  into  the  crowd,  the  people  gathered  around  my  carriage, 
as  if  I  had  had  a  cake  and  cider  cart ;  this  sight  occasioned 
a  kind  of  shock,  that  made  me  forget  my  sickness.  After 
alighting,  I  went  immediately  to  the  throng  in  the  court- 
house, and  founded  a  discourse  upon  Matthew  xxii,  5.  What 
great  things  the  Gospel  revealeth  to  mankind.  First,  The 
love  of  God.  Secondly,  The  sufferings,  and  death,  and 
merits  of  Christ.  Thirdly,  The  gifts,  extraordinary  and  ordi- 
nary, of  the  Holy  Ghost :  men  make  light  of  all  the  blessings 
of  God,  and  of  all  the  miseries  and  consequences  of  sin :  they 


410 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


[Sept.,  1800. 


not  only  think  lightly  of,  but  are  opposed  exceedingly  to 
them  ;  "  for  the  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against  God,"  and  the 
things  of  God.  I  admired  the  attention  and  solemnity  of  the 
people ;  many  of  the  men  standing  in  and  out  of  the  house 
the  whole  time.  We  rode  two  miles  to  brother  Patterson's, 
and  dined ;  and  then  came  on  to  Blackwell's  to  lodge. 

Monday,  15.  We  had  a  heavy  march  to  Fincastle :  I  rode 
nine  miles  to  Mr.  Ripley's  ;  and  then  gave  up  the  carriage  to 
William  M'Kendree,  and  took  his  horse,  and  came  in  about 
ten  o'clock.  My  subject  here  was  Isaiah  lii,  7.  First,  The 
Gospel ; — good  tidings  of  God,  of  Christ,  of  the  Spirit  of 
grace,  of  glory  : — by  comparing  temporal  with  spiritual  things, 
to  restore  the  dead,  the  blind,  the  lame,  the  dumb,  the  sick, 
the  poor  ;  publisheth  peace  with  God,  with  conscience,  with 
all  men  ;  good  tidings  of  good ;  the  spreading  of  the  work 
of  God :  salvation ; — from  all  our  sin,  misery,  and  death. 
Zion,  thy  God  reigneth  ; — the  glory  of  Christ's  kingdom.  The 
feet  of  the  messengers,  beautiful : — because  of  their  message  ; 
their  holy  walk ;  their  treading  the  mountains,  enduring  hard- 
ship ;  their  innocence. 

We  made  it  forty  miles  from  Liberty  to  Edward  Mitchell's  ; 
where  we  lodged  on  Monday. 

Tuesday,  10.  We  began  our  route  for  Holston,  by  English's 
Ferry,  through  Montgomery  county.  The  first  day  Ave  came 
to  Mrs.  Dialley's,  upon  Roanoke,  twenty-eight  or  thirty  miles  : 
the  river  ridges  were  very  rough :  Mrs.  Dialley  received  us 
with  great  maternal  attention  and  affection :  here  I  was  told 
of  my  appointment  at  Raboue's,  ten  miles  west,  over  the 
mountains.  It  gave  me  some  grief,  but  it  was  too  late.  I 
was  advised  not  to  go  Pepper's  ferry  road. 

Wednesday,  17.  We  passed  Montgomery-town  and  court- 
house among  the  mountain  barrens ;  we  pushed  on  to  Chris- 
tian's— they  are  British  people  ;  we  had  an  acceptable  rest 
for  a  very  warm  day.  We  came  to  the  ferry,  and  lodged  at 
Draper's  (a  very  quiet  house)  that  night. 

Thursday,  18.  We  came  to  Wythe  court-house,  a  pleasant 
town  of  about  twenty  houses,  some  neat,  and  most  of  them 


Sept.,  1800.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


471 


new  and  painted.  We  had  good  accommodations  at  Mr. 
Johnson's — both  man  and  horse  needed  it. 

Friday,  19.  We  began  at  six  o'clock  to  bend  for  Holston  : 
it  was  computed  to  be  forty  miles  distant.  We  came  in 
about  the  going  down  of  the  sun  at  father  Carlock's,  a  Ger- 
man. For  two  days  past  we  found  we  could  not  stop  to 
dine  ;  we  rested  only  to  feed  our  horses.  After  we  cleared 
the  mountains  we  came  upon  the  perpetual  hills.  I  judge 
we  may  charge  for  one  hundred  and  thirty  miles  from  Edward 
Mitchell's,  in  Bottetourt,  to  Russel's  old  place  upon  Holston. 
We  took  Saturday  to  refit  and  write  ;  brother  Whatcoat  at- 
tended the  meeting.  My  mind  hath  been  kept  in  peace ;  I 
had  enough  to  do  to  drive  ;  I  could  think  but  little — only 
now  and  then  sending  up  a  message  to  heaven. 

Sabbath  day,  21.  We  attended  at  Carlock's;  a  very  sultry 
day,  and  many  people  were  present.  My  subject  was  2  Tim. 
vi,  2-12.  It  was  judged  best  we  should  ride  ten  miles  to 
Scott's,  in  order  to  make  Edward  Cox's  the  next  day,  to  attend 
at  Acuff's. 

Tuesday,  23.  As  we  came  off  it  began  to  rain,  and  that 
rapidly,  with  little  intermission  for  two  hours ;  the  horsemen 
were  dripping;  the  roads  were  so  bad  that  it  was  with  some 
exertion  that  I  could  so  shelter  myself  as  not  to  get  wet  to 
the  skin  in  the  drowning  rain.  Monday,  we  passed  Abingdon, 
which  is  greatly  improved.  Breakfasted  at  Craig's,  and  then 
had  a  pleasant  ride  to  Cox's,  but  it  is  excessively  warm  for  the 
country  and  season.  At  Acuff's  I  talked  a  little  upon  coming 
to  the  throne  of  grace.  We  hasted  home  with  Charles 
Baker  upon  Holston.  If  we  have  a  dry  moon  and  month  we 
may  get  through  the  wilderness. 

Wednesday,  24.  We  rested — man  and  beast.  We  have 
ridden  sixty  miles  since  Sabbath  evening.  I  am  not  as  patient, 
dependent,  and  prayerful  as  I  wish  to  be.  Bluntsville  looks 
very  respectable,  and  they  have  built  a  needful  and  good 
bridge  at  the  end  of  the  town.  We  crossed  at  Charles  Baker's 
by  putting  the  chaise  to  two  canoes  and  swimming  the  horses 
over  Main  Holston.    The  stubble  fields  were  upon  the  north 


4  72 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1800. 


side,  so  that  we  were  compelled  to  work  through  the  woods  into 
the  road  to  Snipe's  Ferry.  We  came  along  eight  or  ten  miles 
where  they  had  made  new  cuttings  ;  at  last  we  struck  into  a 
new  road,  and  strayed  three  miles  out  of  our  way,  we  then  re- 
turned back  two.  Now  it  was  that  I  felt  properly  content  to 
leave  my  felicity,  so  called,  before  it  came  to  the  wilderness. 
We  made  it  neai'ly  thirty  miles  to  Ball's  mill ;  we  had  no  time 
from  six  in  the  morning  till  seven  at  night  to  feed  man  or  beast. 

Friday,  26.  We  rode  twenty-one  miles  to  Benjamin  Van 
Pelt's,  upon  Licking  Creek ;  we  fed  our  horses  twice,  the 
riders  not  once !  Here  I  left  the  horse  and  carriage,  and  bor- 
rowed a  horse  to  ride  to  Kentucky.  Saturday,  rode  twenty 
miles  across  to  Holston  quarterly  meeting  at  the  Stubble  Fields. 
I  now  rode  upon  horseback,  and  the  rain  came  on  powerfully 
until  we  were  dripping.  I  had  no  cloak  but  the  carriage 
covering,  the  rain  took  shoulders,  elbows,  and  feet ;  for  eight 
miles  it  was  violent ;  I  had  not  been  so  steeped  for  four  years. 
I  washed  the  wet  parts  with  whisky,  and  did  not  take  the 
damage  I  feared.  0  thou  of  little  faith,  wherefore  didst  thou 
doubt  ?  Bishop  Whatcoat  preached.  Our  local  brethren  were 
loving  and  lively — brothers  Van  Pelt,  Wells,  and  Winton. 

Sabbath  day,  28.  We  had  a  good  sacramental  and  speaking 
time.  I  preached  on  Titus  ii,  14,  and  brother  M'Kendree 
from  Psalm  xi,  2-6.  I  was  led  to  recollect  the  loss  of  time 
and  difficulty  met  with  from  Bottetourt  to  Holston,  one  hun- 
dred miles  ;  few  friends,  rough  roads,  one  week  lost  in  riding. 

Monday,  29.  We  began  our  grand  route  to  Kentucky  at 
eight  o'clock.  We  had  to  climb  the  steeps  of  Clinch  about 
the  heat  of  the  day  ;  walk  up  I  could  not :  I  rode,  and  rested 
my  horse  by  dismounting  at  times.  We  came  to  Hunt's  for 
the  first  night.  Such  roads  and  entertainment  I  did  not  ever 
again  expect  to  see ;  at  least  in  so  short  a  time. 

Kentucky. — Tuesday,  30.  We  came  to  Davis's  to  breakfast, 
and  at  night  we  slept  at  Ballinger's,  upon  Cumberland  River. 

Wednesday,  October  1.  We  came  to  Logan's  and  fed:  this 
low  and  new  land  is  scented ;  I  was  almost  sickened  with  the 
smell.    We  came  to  the  elder  of  the  Panies's,  and  lodged. 


Oct.,  1800.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


473 


Thursday,  2.  We  came  rapidly  to  Job  Johnson's,  and 
reached  it  by  riding  in  the  night :  now  I  began  to  fail. 

Friday,  3.  We  came  on  to  our  brother  Howard's.  We 
crossed  Kentucky  River  at  the  mouth  of  Hickman  ;  it  was  so 
low  that  we  forded  it  with  ease.  We  have  travelled  in  five 
days  one  hundred  and  forty-five  miles.  I  have  slept  uncom- 
fortably this  week. 

Saturday,  4.  1  came  to  Bethel.  Bishop  Whatcoat  and 
William  M'Kendree  preached :  I  was  so  dejected  I  could  say 
little  ;  but  weep.  Sabbath  day  it  rained,  and  I  kept  at  home. 
Here  is  Bethel ;  Cokesbury  in  miniature,  eighty  by  thirty  feet, 
three  stories,  with  a  high  roof,  and  finished  below.  Now  we 
want  a  fund  and  an  income  of  three  hundred  per  year  to  carry 
it  on ;  without  which  it  will  be  useless.  But  it  is  too  distant 
from  public  places ;  its  being  surrounded  by  the  river  Ken- 
tucky in  part,  we  now  find  to  be  no  benefit :  thus  all  our  ex- 
cellencies are  turned  into  defects.  Perhaps  brother  Poythress 
and  myself  were  as  much  overseen  with  this  place  as  Dr.  Coke 
was  with  the  seat  of  Cokesbury.  But  all  is  right  that  woiks 
right,  and  all  is  wrong  that  works  wrong,  and  we  must  be 
blamed  by  men  of  slender  sense  for  consequences  impossible 
to  foresee — for  other  people's  misconduct.  Sabbath  day,  Mon- 
day, and  Tuesday,  we  were  shut  up  in  Bethel  with  the  travel- 
ling and  local  ministry  and  the  trustees  that  could  be  called 
together.  We  ordained  fourteen  or  fifteen  local  and  travelling 
deacons.  It  was  thought  expedient  to  carry  the  first  design 
of  education  into  execution,  and  that  we  should  employ  a  man 
of  sterling  qualifications,  to  be  chosen  by  and  under  the  direc- 
tion of  a  select  number  of  trustees  and  others,  who  should  ob- 
ligate themselves  to  see  him  paid,  and  take  the  profits,  if  any, 
arising  from  the  establishment.  Dr.  Jennings  was  thought  of, 
talked  of,  and  written  to.  I  visited  John  Lewis,  who  lately 
had  his  leg  broken ;  I  left  him  with  good  resolutions  to  take 
care  of  his  soul. 

Wednesday,  8.  We  rode  fifteen  miles  to  Shawnee  Run,  and 
crossed  Kentucky  River  at  Curd's  ferry  ;  the  river  was  as  low 
as  a  stream,  and  the  streams  are  nearly  dried  up. 


474  ASBUItY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1800. 

Thursday,  9.  I  preached  on  Heb.  iii,  12-14,  at  the  new 
house  at  Shav.nee  Run.  We  had  rich  entertainment  for  man 
and  beast  at  Robert  Johnson's. 

Friday,  1 0.  We  rode  to  Pleasant  Run  to  John  Springer's : 
it  was  a  very  warm  day  for  the  season.  I  had  a  running  blis- 
ter at  my  side,  yet  I  rode  and  walked  thirty-two  miles.  We 
refreshed  ourselves  at  Crawford's  tavern-upon  the  way.  We 
have  visited  Knox,  Madison,  Mercer,  and  Washington  counties 
in  this  state.  It  Avas  strongly  insisted  upon  by  preachers  and 
people  that  I  should  say  something  before  I  left  Bethel ;  able 
or  unable,  willing  or  unwilling :  accordingly,  on  Tuesday,  in 
the  academical  hall,  I  gave  a  long,  temperate  talk  upon  Heb. 
x,  38,  39. 

Sabbath  day,  12.  It  rained  excessively;  we  were  shut  up  ; 
William  M'Kendree  met  the  people.  We  have  had  but  two 
Sabbaths  to  spend  in  Kentucky,  and  in  both  I  was  prevented 
by  rain. 

Monday,  13.  We  left  John  Springer's,  and  came  to  Lewis 
Thomas's,  fifteen  miles  ;  a  deep,  damp,  narrow  path  ;  the  un- 
derwood very  wet.  Crossed  Cartwright  and  Hardin's  Creeks. 
I  gave  a  short  sermon,  on,  Rom.  viii,  9  :  "If  any  man  have  not 
the  Spirit  of  Christ  he  is  none  of  his." 

I.  How  we  are  to  know  when  we  have  the  Spirit  of  Christ ; 
by  the  operations,  gifts,  consolations,  and  fruits  of  the  Spirit. 

II.  We  are  none  of  his  if  we  are  not  interested  in  the  offices, 
if  not  partakers  of  the  redemption  and  privileges  of  Christ. 

III.  That  none  can  be  interested  in  Christ,  who  are  not  par- 
takers of  the  spirit  of  Jesus. 

My  system  is  greatly  affected  with  the  weather;  but  my 
soul  hath  abundant  consolation  in  God.  It  is  plain  there  are 
not  many  mighty  among  the  Methodists  in  Kentucky.  In 
travelling  between  two  and  three  hundred  miles,  I  have  visited 
six  dwellings  besides  the  academy.  At  Pleasant  Run,  Octo- 
ber 12,  we  ordained  Joseph  Ferguson,  and  Moses  Crame,  to 
the  office  of  deacons. 

Tuesday,  14.  We  began  our  march  for  Cumberland.  We 
were  told  by  two  persons,  that  we  could  not  cross  the  Rolling 


Oct.,  1800.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


Fork  of  Salt  River ;  I  judged  we  could,  and  as  I  thought,  so 
it  was — we  forded  it  with  ease.  We  came  up  a  solitary  path 
east  of  the  level  woods,  and  struck  into  the  road  to  Lee's  ferry. 
For  ten  miles  of  the  latter  part  of  this  day's  journey,  we  rode 
through  ban-ens  of  hickory,  shrub-oak,  and  hazelnut ;  thirty 
miles,  if  not  thirty-five,  is  the  amount  of  this  day's  work ;  in 
the  morning  there  was  a  very  great  damp,  and  in  the  after- 
noon it  was,  I  thought,  as  warm  as  the  west  of  Georgia. 

Wednesday,  15.  We  crossed  Green  River,  the  main  branch 
of  which  riseth  near  the  Crabb  Orchard.  We  crossed  at  the 
mouth  of  Little  Barren  River.  We  then  made  a  bold  push 
for  the  Great  Barren ;  dining  at  Mr.  Morrison's,  I  could  nut 
eat  wallet-provision,  but  happily  for  me  I  was  provided  with 
a  little  fresh  mutton  at  the  house,  made  warm  in  a  small  space. 
Now  we  had  unfavourable  appearances  of  rain  ;  we  had  bleak, 
barren  hills  to  ride  ;  which,  although  beautiful  to  sight,  were 
painful  to  sense.  The  rain  came  in  large  and  rapid  drops  for 
fourteen  miles ;  we  were  well  soaked  on  all  sides.  A  little 
after  dark  we  came  to  Mr.  Hagin's,  upon  Big  Barren  River ; 
a  good  house,  an  excellent  fire  to  dry  our  clothing,  good  meat 
and  milk  for  supper,  and  the  cleanest  beds ;  all  this  we  had. 
I  have  paid  for  this  route. 

Tennessee. —  Thursdcnj,  16.  We  came  on  to  Lucas's:  this 
poor  woman  was  excessively  displeased  because  I  asked  her 
if  she  prayed  with  her  children.  Next  day  we  made  thirty- 
five  miles  to  Sharp's  old  place,  where  we  had  good  entertain- 
ment ;  they  charged  twenty  shillings  for  men  and  horses.  We 
thence  hasted  to  Mr.  Dickinson's,  on  White's  creek.  I  waked 
at  four  o'clock  ;  ate  but  little  breakfast,  and  rode  twenty-eight 
miles  ;  the  poor  men  and  horses  were  tired  down  ;  we  fed  the 
horses  upon  the  path,  but  had  no  food  for  ourselves  until  we 
came  in.  I  have  thought,  as  I  rode  along,  that  in  travelling 
nearly  six  hundred  measured  miles,  we  have  had  only  six  ap- 
pointments ;  and  at  these  but  small  congregations :  have  we 
wearied  ourselves  in  vain  ?  Our  judgment  is  with  the  Lord  ; 
I  can  only  say  for  myself,  I  have  had  the  Lord's  presence, 
and  great  support  in  soul  and  body. 


470 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL  [Oct.,  1800. 


Saturday,  18.  At  Parker's  my  subject  was  Col.  ii,  6.  Bro- 
thers M'Gee,  Lugg,  Jones,  and  Spier,  local  preachers,  came 
to  meet  me :  we  had  a  small  shout  in  the  camp  of  Israel. 

Sunday,  19.  I  rode  to  Nashville,  long  heard  of,  but  never 
seen  by  me  until  now ;  some  thought  the  congregation  would 
be  small,  but  I  believed  it  would  be  large ;  not  less  than  one 
thousand  people  were  in  and  out  of  the  stone  church ;  which, 
if  floored,  ceiled,  and  glazed,  would  be  a  grand  house.  We 
had  three  hours  public  exercises.  Mr.  M'Kendree  upon,  "The 
wages  of  sin  is  death."  Myself  on  Rom.  x,  14,  15.  Brother 
Whatcoat  on,  "  When  Christ,  who  is  our  life,  shall  appear, 
then  shall  ye  also  appear  with  him  in  glory."  We  returned 
the  same  evening,  after  dining  with  Mr.  M'Kain.  I  had  a  feel- 
ing sight  of  my  dear  old  friend  Greenhill  and  his  wife.  Who 
would  have  thought  we  should  ever  meet  in  this  distant  land  ? 
I  had  not  time  as  formerly,  to  go  to  their  house  to  eat  and 
sleep.    We  had  a  night  meeting  at  Mr.  Dickinson's. 

Monday,  20.  We  came  by  Manslick  to  Drake's  creek  meet- 
ing-house, at  the  close  of  a  sacramental  solemnity,  that  had 
been  held  four  days  by  Craghead,  Hodge,  Rankin,  M'Gee, 
and  Mr.  Adair,  Presbyterian  officiating  ministers  ;  we  came  in, 
and  brother  M'Kendree  preached  upon  Jer.  iv,  14  ;  after  him 
brother  Whatcoat,  upon,  "  We  know  that  we  are  of  God  :"  I 
also  spoke  ;  my  subject  was  the  work  of  God.  Last  Sabbath 
was  my  birth-day.  This  will  make  the  thirtieth  year  of  my 
labours  in  America.  It  is  supposed  there  are  one  thousand 
souls  present,  and  double  that  number  heard  the  word  of  life 
on  Sunday. 

Tuesday,  21.  Yesterday,  and  especially  during  the  night, 
were  witnessed  scenes  of  deep  interest.  In  the  intervals  be- 
tween preaching,  the  people  refreshed  themselves  and  horses, 
and  returned  upon  the  ground.  The  stand  was  in  the  open 
air,  embosomed  in  a  wood  of  lofty  beech  trees.  The  ministers 
of  God,  Methodists  and  Presbyterians,  united  their  labours, 
and  mingled  with  the  childlike  simplicity  of  primitive  times. 
Fires  blazing  here  and  there  dispelled  the  darkness,  and  the 
shouts  of  the  redeemed  captives,  and  the  cries  of  precious 


Oct.,  1800.  J 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


477 


souls  struggling  into  life,  broke  the  silence  of  midnight.  The 
weather  was  delightful ;  as  if  heaven  smiled,  whilst  mercy 
flowed  in  abundant  streams  of  salvation  to  perishing  sinners. 
We  suppose  there  were  at  least  thirty  souls  converted  at  this 
meeting.  I  rejoice  that  God  is  visiting  the  sons  of  the  Puri- 
tans, who  are  candid  enough  to  acknowledge  their  obligations 
to  the  Methodists. 

We  have  passed  only  two  counties  in  the  District  of  Mero : 
quiet  Cumberland  keeps  "  the  noiseless  tenor  of  his  way" 
through  the  midst  of  the  settlement ;  Nashville  crowns  its 
lofty  bank.* 

Wednesday,  22.  We  had  a  meeting  at  Richard  Strother's, 
upon  a  branch  of  Station  Creek,  and  there  were  great  emo- 
tions of  tenderness  among  the  people. 

Thursday,  23.  We  came  to  Edward's.  Brother  Whatcoat 
began — I  continued  upon  Matt,  xi,  28-30.  William  M'Gee 
concluded.    We  lodged  with  James  Douglass. 

Friday,  24.  We  came  to  Thomas  Blackmorc's.  Brother 
Whatcoat,  and  brother  M'Kendree  sermonized ;  the  people 
were  not  greatly  moved  ;  I  concluded  with  prayer. 

Saturday,  25.  We  crossed  Cumberland  River  at  Bishop's 
ferry.  What  a  long  solitary  river  is  this !  It  is  probably 
seven  hundred  miles  upon  a  line ;  and  near  one  thousand  in 
its  meanderings,  before  it  empties  its  waters  into  the  Ohio, 
twelve  miles  above  the  mouth  of  the  Tennessee. 

We  began  our  quarterly  meeting  at  Elmour  Douglas's. 
Brother  Whatcoat  preached :  brothers  M'Kendree  and 
M'Gee  exhorted.  At  the  evening  meeting  there  were  more 
shouters  than  converts ;  nevertheless  the  Lord  was  in  the 
midst. 

We  have  ridden  but  about  sixty-six  or  seventy  miles  this 
week.  The  country  is  greatly  in  want  of  rain:  the  large 
streams  are  much  absorbed ;  and  the  people  grind  their  grain 
with  horse-mills. 

I  could  not  be  content  to  leave  the  settlement  without  cir- 
cumstantial account  of  the  work  of  God ;  and  I  therefore 
desired  John  M'Gee  to  give  it  me ;  and  I  purpose  to  select 


478 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Oct.,  1800. 


such  accounts  annually,  and  to  read  them  in  the  large  congre- 
gations, and  then  to  have  them  published. 

Sunday,  26.  I  attempted  but  little  this  day  in  public,  ex- 
cept a  class  on  a  portion  of  the  word  from  2  Peter  i,  16.  We 
forded  Cumberland  River,  and  came  to  John  M'Gee's.  We 
now  began  to  think  seriously  upon  our  march  through  the 
wilderness,  and  providing  food  and  provisions  for  man  and 
horse — we  took  our  departure. 

Monday,  27.  We  travelled  through  rich  forests  of  beech, 
with  rank  undergrowth  of  cane  or  reed,  and  arrived  at  Fort 
Blount :  thence  pursuing  our  way  up  Lynn  Crefck,  we  took 
the  ridge  and  reached  Mrs.  Blackburn's,  where  we  lodged, 
and  were  well  accommodated.  This  day  we  have  ridden 
thirty-five  miles. 

We  urged  on  our  way,  expecting  rain,  which  overtook  us 
about  two  o'clock  at  Flat  Rock.  We  pressed  on  over  Drown- 
ing Creek,  and  the  sleepy,  discoloured  waters  of  Obeys  River. 
About  twilight  in  the  barrens  we  met  the  Presbyterian  minis- 
ters, Hall,  Montgomery,  and  Bowman,  with  whom  we  re- 
joiced at  the  work  of  God  in  Cumberland,  and  then  parted. 
We  came  on  to  a  place  where  we  found  the  woods  were 
burning,  and  finding  we  had  made  about  forty-five  miles  we 
encamped  whilst  the  rain  was  falling  upon  us. 

Wednesday,  29.  We  came  to  the  new  station  at  the  Crab 
Orchard,  where,  although  the  station  was  not  yet  put  in  or- 
der, Mr.  Sidnor  received  us  politely,  and  treated  us  to  tea. 
Here  we  found  a  cabin  under  the  direction  of  the  Cherokee 
nation,  on  land  they  claimed  as  theirs.  We  journeyed  on  to 
Spencer's  Hill,  so  called  because  here  a  man  of  thai  name  was 
killed  by  Indians.  Thence  we  travelled  forward  to  Prospect 
Hill  and  the  descent  to  Cumberland  Mountain.  On  our  route 
we  experienced  a  heavy  rain.  Through  damps  and  mud  we 
pushed  forward  to  Clarke's  ferry,  upon  Clinch,  in  sight  of  the 
foi  t  at  South  West  Point,  at  the  Junction  of  Tennessee  and 
Clinch  rivers,  one  hundred  miles  below  the  mouth  of  Powels 
River.  We  have  travelled  nearly  seventy  miles  upon  land 
belonging  to  the  Cherokee  nation  :  the  soil  is  generally  barren 


Nov.,  1800.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


4T9 


and  broken,  except  -where  we  enter  on  Cumberland  Mountain 
and  the  neighbourhood  of  the  new  station.  This  Indian  land 
cuts  the  state  of  Tennessee  into  two  parts,  passing  nearly 
through  the  middle,  making  an  indent  upon  the  state  of  Ken- 
tucky on  Yellow  Creek.  We  arrived  at  Mr.  Clark's,  where 
we  received  great  entertainment :  there  was  a  good  fire  in  the 
hall,  and  we  were  provided  with  a  good  dinner,  and  treated 
to  tea  :  a  fire  was  also  kindled  up  stairs,  at  which  we  dried  our 
clothes  ;  to  which  may  be  added  excellent  lodging  in  two  inner 
rooms :  thus  were  we  within,  whilst  our  horses  were  feeding 
to  fulness  in  a  grassy  valley  without.  Our  kind  host  rents 
the  land  from  the  Indians  at  six  hundred  per  annum ;  himself 
making  the  improvements. 

Thursday,  30.  We  rode  slowly  on  to  Starr's,  twenty-two 
miles,  and  had  a  heavy  shower  of  rain  on  our  way.  From 
Monday  morning  to  Thursday  afternoon  we  have  made  one 
hundred  and  thirty  miles ;  we  have  experienced  no  stoppage 
by  water-courses,  and  have  found  the  roads  of  the  wilderness, 
their  uncvenness  excepted,  pretty  good.  And  here  let  me 
record  the  gracious  dealings  of  God  to  my  soul  in  this  jour- 
ney :  I  have  had  uncommon  peace  of  mind,  and  spiritual  con- 
solations every  day,  notwithstanding  the  long  rides  I  have 
endured,  and  the  frequent  privations  of  good  water  and  proper 
food  to  which  I  have  been  subjected ;  to  me  the  wilderness 
and  the  solitary  places  were  made  as  the  garden  of  God, 
and  as  the  presence-chambers  of  the  King  of  kings  and  Lord 
of  lords. 

Friday,  31.  I  gave  a  long  discourse  upon  the  epistle  in  the 
office  of  ordination  for  deacons,  and  ordained  John  Winton  in 
the  congregation. 

Saturday,  November  1.  Came  twenty  miles  to  Knoxville, 
of  which  I  had  often  heard,  and  which  mine  eyes  now  saw. 
We  visited  my  old  friend  Greer. 

Sabbath  day,  2.  I  preached  in  the  state-house  on  Isa.  lv, 
6,  1.  I  was  very  unwell,  but  was  enabled  to  bear  the  heavy 
cross  of  public  speaking;  we  had  about  seven  hundred  peo- 
ple in  and  about  the  house.    We  came  off  in  haste,  intending 


4S0 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Nov.,  1800. 


to  make  twenty  miles  that  evening ;  but  Francis  Alexander 
Ramsay  pursued  us  to  the  ferry,  franked  us  over,  and  took 
us  to  his  excellent  mansion— a  stone  house :  it  may  not  be 
amiss  to  mention,  that  our  host  has  built  his  house,  and  takes 
in  his  harvest  without  the  aid  of  whisky.  We  were  kindly 
and  comfortably  entertained. 

Monday,  3.  We  rode  up  to  M'Cleary's,  fourteen  miles, 
where  we  dined,  and  pursued  our  journey  to  William  Black- 
burn's. 

Tuesday,  4.  Rode  twenty  miles  up  Nolachucky  to  Benja- 
min Van  Pelt's,  where  I  had  left  my  horse  and  chaise.  In 
this  neighbourhood  the  land,  except  a  few  spots,  is  little  bet- 
ter than  barren ;  nevertheless,  good  cultivation  will  make  it 
productive.  From  the  twenty-seventh  of  last  month,  the  day 
on  which  we  left  the  pleasant  mansion  of  our  friend  Van  Pelt, 
to  the  day  of  our  return,  we  rode,  I  presume,  quite  six  hun- 
dred and  sixty  if  not  seven  hundred  miles.  Hitherto  the 
Lord  hath  helped  us.  We  have  had  twelve  proper  appoint- 
ments;  two  of  which  (Sabbath  days)  were  near  failing 
because  of  rain. 

Wednesday,  5.  At  Van  Town  I  preached  in  the  new  chapel 
on  Luke  iv,  18. 

Thursday,  6.  Crossed  Nolachucky  at  Querton's  ferry,  and 
came  to  Major  Cragg's,  eighteen  miles.  I  next  day  pursued  my 
journey  and  arrived  at  the  Warm  Springs,  not  however  without 
an  ugly  accident.  After  we  had  crossed  the  Small  and  Great 
Paint  mountain,  and  had  passed  about  thirty  yards  beyond 
the  Paint  Rock,  my  roan  horse,  led  by  Mr.  O'Haven,  reeled 
and  fell  over,  taking  the  chaise  with  him ;  I  was  called  back, 
when  I  beheld  the  poor  beast  and  the  carriage,  bottom  up, 
lodged  and  wedged  against  a  sapling,  which  alone  prevented 
them  both  being  precipitated  into  the  river.  After  a  pretty 
heavy  lift  all  was  righted  again,  and  Ave  were  pleased  to  find 
there  was  little  damage  done.  Our  feelings  were  excited  more 
for  others  than  ourselves.  Not  far  off  we  saw  clothing  spread 
out,  part  of  the  loading  of  household  furniture  of  a  wagon 
which  had  overset  and  was  thrown  into  the  stream,  and  bed- 


Nov.,  1800.]         ASBTJRY'S  JOURNAL. 


481 


clothes,  bedding,  &c,  were  so  wet  that  the  poor  people  found 
it  necessary  to  dry  them  on  the  spot.  We  passed  the  side 
fords  of  French  Broad,  and  came  to  Mr.  Nelson's  ;  our  moun- 
tain march  of  twelve  miles  calmed  us  down  for  this  day.  My 
company  was  not  agreeable  here — there  were  too  many  subjects 
of  the  two  great  potentates  of  this  Western  World — whisky, 
brandy.    My  mind  was  greatly  distressed. 

North  Carolina. — Saturday  8.  We  started  away.  The 
cold  was  severe  upon  the  fingers.  We  crossed  the  ferry, 
curiously  contrived  with  a  rope  and  poles,  for  half  a  mile 
along  the  banks  of  the  river,  to  guide  the  boat  by.  And  O 
the  rocks  !  the  rocks  !  Coming  to  Laurel  River,  we  followed 
a  wagon  ahead  of  us — the  wagon  stuck  fast.  Brother  O'H. 
mounted  old  gray — the  horse  fell  about  midway,  but  re- 
covered, rose,  and  went  safely  through  with  his  burden.  We 
pursued  our  way  rapidly  to  Ivy  Creek,  suffering  much  from 
heat  and  the  roughness  of  the  roads,  and  stopped  at  William 
Hunter's. 

Sabbath  day,  9.  We  came  to  Thomas  Foster's,  and  held  a 
small  meeting  at  his  house.  We  must  bid  farewell  to  the 
chaise  ;  this  mode  of  conveyance  by  no  means  suits  the  roads 
of  this  wilderness;  we  are  obliged  to  keep  one  behind  the 
carriage  with  a  strap  to  hold  by  and  prevent  accidents  almost 
continually.  I  have  health  and  hard  labour,  and  a  constant 
sense  of  the  favour  of  God. 

Tobias  Gibson  had  given  notice  to  some  of  my  being  at 
Buncomb  court-house,  and  the  society  at  Killyon's,  in  conse- 
quence of  this,  made  an  appointment  for  me  on  Tuesday,  11. 
We  were  strongly  importuned  to  stay,  which  brother  What- 
coat  felt  inclined  to  do.  In  the  meantime  we  had  our  horses 
shod  by  Philip  Smith :  this  man,  as  is  not  unfrequently  the 
case  in  this  country,  makes  wagons  and  works  at  carpentry, 
makes  shoes  for  men  and  for  horses  ;  to  which  he  adds,  occa- 
sionally, the  manufacture  of  saddles  and  hats. 

Monday,  10.  Visited  Squire  Swaine's  agreeable  family. 
On  Tuesday  we  attended  our  appointment.  My  foundation 
for  a  sermon  was  Heb.  ii,  1.  We  had  about  eighty  hearers; 

Vol.  II.— 21 


4S_' 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Nov.,  1800. 


among  them  was  Mr.  Newton,  a  Presbyterian  minister,  who 
made  the  concluding  prayer.  We  took  up  our  journey,  and 
came  to  Foster's  upon  Swansico — company  enough,  and 
horses  in  a  drove  of  thirty-three.  Here  we  met  Francis 
Poythress — sick  of  Carolina,  and  in  the  clouds.  I,  too,  was 
sick.  Next  morning  we  rode  to  Fletcher's,  on  Mud  Creek. 
The  people  being  unexpectedly  gathered  together,  we 
gave  them  a  sermon  and  an  exhortation.  We  lodged  at 
Fletcher's. 

Thursday,  13.  We  crossed  French  Broad  at  Kim's  Ferry, 
forded  Mill's  River,  and  made  upwards  through  the  barrens 
of  Broad  to  Davidson's,  whose  name  names  the  stream.  The 
aged  mother  and  daughters  insisted  upon  giving  notice  for  a 
meeting :  in  consequence  thereof  Mr.  Davis,  the  Presbyterian 
minister,  and  several  others,  came  together.  Brother  What- 
coat  was  taken  with  a  bleeding  at  the  nose,  so  that  neces- 
sity was  laid  upon  me  to  lecture  :  my  subject  was  Luke 
xi,  13. 

Friday,  14.  We  took  our  leave  of  Freneh  Broad — the 
lands  flat  and  good,  but  rather  cold.  I  have  had  an  oppor- 
tunity of  making  a  tolerably  correct  survey  of  this  river.  It 
rises  in  the  south-west,  and  winds  along  m  many  meanders, 
fifty  miles  north-east,  receiving  a  number  of  tributary  streams 
in  its  course  ;  it  then  inclines  westward,  passing  through  Bun- 
comb  in  North  Carolina,  and  Green  and  Dandridge  counties 
in  Tennessee,  in  which  last  it  is  augmented  by  the  waters  of 
Nolachucky  ;  four  miles  above  Knoxville  it  forms  a  junction 
with  the  Holston,  and  their  united  waters  flow  along  under 
the  name  of  Tennessee,  giving  a  name  to  the  State. 

We  had  no  small  labour  in  getting  down  Seleuda  mountain. 
Arriving  at  father  Douthat's,  on  the  south  branch  of  Seleuda, 
where,  finding  myself  quite  at  home,  I  had  leisure  to  reflect 
upon  our  western  visitation.  On  the  16th  of  September  we  set 
out  from  Bottetourt  in  Virginia,  and  on  the  14th  of  November 
we  were  in  North  Carolina,  at  the  foot  of  the  grand  mountain 
division  of  South  Carolina.  In  this  time  T  presume  we  have 
travelled  one  thousand  miles,  have  had  about  twenty  nppoint- 


Nov.,  1800.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


i  8,3 


ments,  not  many  of  which  were  large  ;  have  lodged  about 
twenty  nights  under  strange  roofs,  or  at  houses  of  entertain- 
ment ;  and  have  expended  about  fifty  dollars. 

Monday,  17.  Yesterday  we  rested  at  father  John  Douthat's ; 
he  is  settled  in  a  cove  in  the  midst  of  the  mountains,  upon 
the  south  branch  of  the  Seleuda.  Brother  Whatcoat  made  a 
discourse  on  Matt,  iii,  10.  The  computation  is,  that  from 
Charleston  to  the  western  line  of  this  State  it  is  two  hundred 
and  seventy-five  miles  ;  but  from  the  centre-house  it  is  nearer 
four  hundred  miles. 

My  mind  is  led  out  for  the  interest  of  the  Southern  and 
Western  conferences :  these  are  quite  enough  contiguous  to 
enable  the  preachers  to  change  with  each  other,  but  such  is 
the  sickly  state  of  the  South,  in  both  senses,  that  we  shall 
probably  be  under  the  necessity  of  locating  five  or  six  of  our 
spiritual  labourers. 

To-day  I  gave  a  sermon  founded  upon  Psalm  cxlvi,  8,  9, 
and  felt  engaged,  if  the  people  were  not. 

Tuesday,  18.  'We  came  fifteen  miles  to  Samuel  Burdine's, 
Pendleton  county.  Here  were  many  wandering  people.  Bro- 
ther Whatcoat  preached.  We  administered  the  Lord's  sup- 
per. I  was  very  much  indisposed,  and  felt  dejection  of 
spirits.  Our  sister  Burdine  professeth  to  have  known  the 
Lord  twenty  years ;  in  her  you  see  meekness,  gentleness, 
patience,  and  pure  love — and  cleanliness. 

Wednesday,  19.  We  came  to  John  Wilson's  ;  I  gave  a  dis- 
course on  Acts  ii,  17,  18;  my  mind  was  divinely  elevated, 
but  the  people  did  not  appear  to  feel.  Yesterday  and  to-day 
I  am  disciplined  by  keen  pain  in  my  breast.  To-day  Benjamin 
Blanton  met  me  :  he  is  now  a  married  man ;  like  others  of 
his  Southern  brethren,  after  he  has  faithfully  served  the  con- 
nexion about  ten  years,  he  talks  of  locating. 

Thursday,  20.  At  the  Grove.  We  were  lost  an  horn-  in 
the  woods  at  setting  out,  and  terribly  bewildered  in  our  way 
to  the  meeting-house;  the  day  was  cold,  and  a  beautiful 
snow  lay  on  the  ground.  During  the  public  exercises  the 
people  felt  as  at  the  reading  and  preaching  of  Ezra.  Bro- 


484 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  fNov.,  1800. 


tlier  Whatcoat  improved  with  light  and  life  upon  Coloss.  i, 
21-23. 

Through  twelve  miles  of  cold  and  snow  we  journeyed  to 
Thomas  Terry's.  Our  host  was  from  Gisborough,  in  York- 
shire ;  he  made  us  welcome,  and  gave  us  dinner  about  six 
o'clock.  Here  I  hauled  up  the  chaise — the  pleasure  of  riding 
in  it  does  not  compensate  for  the  trouble  and  difficulty  of 
getting  it  along. 

As  there  were  few  appointments  in  this  State,  and  as  bro- 
ther Blanton  agreed  to  fill  them,  I  thought  fit  to  accompany 
brother  Whatcoat,  who  was  under  the  necessity  of  going  to 
fill  appointments  made  for  him  in  Georgia. 

We  have  travelled  about  forty  miles  since  we  left  father 
Douthat's,  near  the  Table  mountain,  which  on  a  clear  day  is 
a  grand  sight ;  the  stool  appears  like  a  great  house  of  free- 
stone ;  to-day  we  only  saw  it  through  a  mist  dimly.  At  the 
Cove  there  are  but  few  religious  people,  and  among  these  few 
there  are  disorderly  walkers.  The  Northern  rivers,  I  presume, 
begin  to  close  for  the  winter,  which,  I  judge,  will  be  a  severe 
one.    On  Friday  I  rested  and  wrote. 

Saturday,  22.  Rode  twenty  miles  to  James  Powell's,  upon 
Walnut  Creek,  Lauren's  county. 

Sabbath  day,  23,  was  an  extraordinary  cold  day  at  King's 
chapel.  I  began  reading  at  eleven  o'clock,  and  occupied  the 
pulpit  one  hour  and  twenty  minutes ;  brother  Whatcoat  fol- 
lowed for  fifty  minutes,  and  brother  Blanton  succeeded  him ; 
to  this  followed  the  sacrament — making  the  public  exercises 
four  hours  (or  thereabouts)  of  continuance,  in  a  very  open 
building.  It  may  not  be  amiss  to  mention  that  this  house  for 
the  worship  of  God  was  named  after  James  King,  who  died  a 
martyr  to  the  yellow  fever  in  Charleston.  We  lodged  for  the 
night  at  W.  Powell's.  Next  day  we  crossed  Main  Seleuda  at 
Pension's  ford,  and  rode  twelve  miles  to  George  Connor's, 
upon  Silvador's  Purchase. 

I  had  thought  our  address  would  move  their  majesties  and 
the  peers  of  Charleston.  Report  says  they  have  pumped 
poor  Dougharty  until  they  had  almost  deprived  him  of  breath ; 


Nov.,  1800.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


485 


and  John  Harper  committed  the  addresses  to  the  flames  before 
the  intendant  of  the  city :  I  have  seen  his  apology  for  re- 
ceiving them. 

At  George  Connor's  we  had  an  evening  meeting,  and  con- 
sidering the  coldness  of  the  night,  and  the  shortness  of  the 
notice,  it  was  well  attended.    Brother  Whatcoat  preached. 

Tuesday,  25.  We  rode  to  Nathaniel  Burdine's — ancient 
Methodists,  who  have  a  son  in  the  ministry. 

Wednesday,  26.  We  came  to  Hugh  Porter's,  at  the  New 
Design.  Here  we  called  a  meeting  in  the  evening ;  brother 
Whatcoat  spoke — I  spoke  after  him. 

Thursday,  27.  Sick  and  weary,  we  arrived  at  Daniel 
Baugh's,  whither  we  were  conducted  by  Mr.  Hennington, 
having  lost  our  way  in  the  woods. 

Friday,  28.  At  Butler's  meeting-house,  fifteen  miles — no 
notice  ;  we  therefore  pushed  on  to  Captain  Carter's ;  here 
the  girls  hasted  to  call  the  people  to  meeting.  Brother  What- 
coat preached  upon  Ezek.  xxxiii,  2.  In  this  neighbourhood 
the  sad  apostasy  of  two  professed  preachers,  and  of  one  or 
two  private  members,  hath  brought  reproach  on  the  cause  of 
God  and  Methodism. 

Georgia. — Saturday,  29.  Came  twelve  miles  through 
deep  sands  to  Augusta.  We  have  travelled  nearly  one  hun- 
dred miles  since  last  Sabbath  day  :  my  soul  hath  been  kept 
in  great  peace ;  but  I  feel  the  effects  of  riding  a  stiff,  aged, 
falling  horse,  with  a  sore  back,  and  my  saddle  is  old  and  worn. 

We  have  a  foundation  and  a  frame  prepared  for  erecting, 
in  a  day  or  two,  a  house  for  public  worship,  two  stories  high, 
sixty  by  forty  feet ;  for  this  we  are  indebted  to  the  favour  of 
Heaven  and  the  agency  of  Stith  Mead ;  and  what  is  better, 
here  is  a  small  society. 

Augusta  is  decidedly  one  of  the  most  level  and  beautiful 
spots  for  a  town  I  have  yet  seen :  it  is  of  ample  extent  in  its 
plan,  well  begun,  and  when  their  intention  shall  be  fulfilled 
of  building  a  court-house,  a  college,  episcopal  churches  for 
Methodists  and  others,  it  will  do  credit  to  its  founders  and 
inhabitants. 


480 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Dec,  1800. 


Sabbath  day,  30.  Brother  Whatcoat  preached  a  most  ex- 
cellent sermon  at  Mr.  Fary's  dwelling-house  upon  Ephraim's 
lamentation.  In  the  afternoon  I  preached  in  the  church. 
We  thought  to  have  joined  the  congregations  together,  but 
others  thought  differently.  We  had  the  honour  of  the 
priest's  company,  and  few  of  his  people  attended. 

Monday,  December  1.  We  came  to  Thomas  Hayne's,  upon 
Uchee  Creek,  Columbia  county.  Brother  Whatcoat  preached 
upon  Gal.  ii,  20.    I  came  off  with  a  close  exhortation. 

On  the  following  Tuesday  and  Wednesday  we  held  a  quar- 
terly meeting  at  White  Oak.  Brother  Whatcoat  first  offi- 
ciated. I  followed  him.  We  had  very  cold  weather,  an  open 
house,  and  few  hearers.  We  then  rode  to  Joseph  Scott's, 
eight  miles,  through  damp,  rainy  weather.  Our  host,  his 
children,  and  grand-children  will,  we  hope,  if  they  continue 
faithful,  receive  the  crown  of  life. 

Thursday,  4.  I  rode,  my  mind  cloudy,  and  my  body  cold, 
to  Thomas  Grant's,  twenty-four  miles. 

Friday,  5.  I  humbled  my  soul  before  God.  To-day  I 
have  been  occupied  in  correcting  a  transcript  of  my  journal, 
that  one  had  copied  for  me,  who  did  not  well  understand  my 
short-hand.  The  original  was  written  in  my  great  illness, 
very  imperfectly  ;  but  when  I  reflect  on  my  situation  at  that 
time,  I  wonder  that  it  is  as  well  as  it  is. 

Sabbath  day,  1.  Yesterday  and  to-day  we  have  quarterly 
meeting  at  Coke's  chapel,  near  Washington.  Brother  What- 
coat preached  the  first  day  from  Heb.  vi,  4-6.  I,  in  my  place, 
gave  some  account  of  the  work  of  God,  as  it  had  been  re- 
ported to  me  during  this  year.  On  Sabbath  morning  we 
had  a  quickening  season  at  the  sacrament.  My  subject  was 
Heb.  xii,  25  :  "  See  that  ye  refuse  not  him  that  speaketh." 
By  introduction — The  likeness  between  Christ  and  Moses  in 
their  persons,  offices,  ministry,  and  punishment  of  the  disobe- 
dient. In  doctrine :  I.  How  Christ,  speaking  by  his  Gospel, 
bis  ministers,  Spirit,  and  miracles  of  grace.  II.  That  sinners, 
seekers,  saints,  and  backsliders  ought  to  see  to  it,  that  they 
"refuse  not  him  that  speaketh."    Lastly:  the  awful  conse- 


Dec,  1800.] 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


487 


quences  of  refusing.  Brothers  Whatcoat  and  H.  Hull  ex- 
horted ;  the  latter  began  to  feel  like  his  former  self.  Upon 
the  whole,  it  was  a  good  meeting,  and  we  humbly  hope  that 
good  was  done.  After  meeting  we  were  obliged  to  ride  six 
miles,  through  the  rain,  to  Thomas  Grant's. 

Monday,  8.  We  crossed  Little  River,  and  went  forward 
twelve  miles,  to  Thomas  Fountain's,  in  Warren  county.  We 
have  ridden  about  ninety  miles  since  Monday  week. 

Tuesday,  9.  We  came  to  Abraham  Heath's  meeting-house 
upon  Long  Creek,  Warren  county.  We  arrived  during  the 
sitting  of  the  court,  and  had  but  a  small  congregation.  Bro- 
ther Whatcoat  being  unwell,  I  filled  his  place.  My  subject 
was  Heb.  x,  31  :  "  It  is  a  fearful  thing  to  fall  into  the  hands 
of  the  living  God."  First.  The  character  of  those  people 
who  expose  themselves  to  the  danger  of  falling  into  the 
hands  of  the  living  God  " — such  as  are  described  in  verses 
26  and  29  of  the  same  chapter.  Secondly.  The  character 
of  those,  the  contrast  of  the  former,  who  will  escape  his 
avenging  hand.  These  do  not  as  the  others  do.  They  also 
attend  to  the  precepts  contained  in  verses  25,  32,  35,  36,  and 
39.  Thirdly.  "  It  is  a  fearful  thing  to  fall  into  the  hands  of 
the  living  God," — that  is,  to  fear  and  feel  the  wrath  of  God 
forever,  having  no  interest  in  Christ,  and  no  advocate  with  the 
Father,  but  exposed  to  infinite  justice,  and  all  the  threatened 
wrath  of  the  Almighty. 

We  crossed  Ogeechee  at  Thweat's  bridge,  and  came  to 
Powellton,  a  new  establishment,  in  which  there  is  a  Baptist 
meeting-house,  formerly  occupied  by  Silas  Mercer.  He  is 
now  gone  to  eternity,  but  his  son  filleth  his  place. 

Wednesday,  10.  We  came  to  Edmund  Butler's,  in  Hancock 
county.  The  people  had  thrown  down  the  old,  but  had  not 
yet  finished  then-  new  meeting-house.  I  was  therefore  under 
the  necessity  of  standing  bareheaded  in  the  open  woods,  on  a 
very  cold  day.  As  I  travelled  so  much,  this  was  thought  a 
light  thing  for  a  man  like  me.  Moses  Black,  after  this, 
brought  the  people  to  the  dwelling-house.  We  rode  home 
with  Alexander    King,   a  brother   to  the  preacher  who 


488 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Dec,  1800. 


ended  a  short  but  honourable  life  in  the  ministry  of  the 
Gospel. 

Thursday,  11.  We  were  at  Burke's  meeting-house;  after 
which  we  came  dripping  to  A.  Gilmore's.  Here  brother 
Whatcoat  preached.  After  which  I  gave  a  few  words  of  ex- 
hortation, and  we  then  pushed  on  to  William  Greaves's. 
We  have  lately  crossed  the  chief  branches  of  the  Ogeechee 
and  Little  rivers. 

Friday,  12.  Cold  as  it  was  we  made  as  far  as  Thomas 
Dunn's ;  and  here  I  gave  a  short  discourse  on  2  Tim.  iv,  6,  7. 
We  left  Dunn's  in  haste,  and  continued  on  twelve  miles  farther 
to  the  widow  Hill's,  on  Long  Creek.  These  last  appoint- 
ments were  in  Oglethorpe  county.  They  will  be  the  best 
judges  of  the  severity  of  the  cold,  who  have  ridden  seventeen 
miles  before  dinner.  I  met  brother  Milligan,  at  brother 
Dunn's,  and  should  have  been  pleased  to  stay  there  with  him, 
but  the  situation  of  his  wife  subjected  us  to  the  risk  of  being 
disturbed  and  driven  from  our  warm  lodging  at  midnight. 
We  have  ridden  about  sixty  miles  in  four  days. 

Saturday,  13.  We  came  to  Mark's  meeting-house  ;  brother 
Whatcoat  filled  the  pulpit. 

Sunday,  14.  We  had  sacrament  and  sermon :  my  subject 
was  Matt,  xvii,  5  :  "  This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom  I  am 
well  pleased ;  hear  ye  him."  Introduction.  These  words 
were  in  part  spoken  at  his  baptism ;  see  Matt,  iii,  11 ;  Mark 
i,  2  ;  Luke  iii,  22  :  that  there  were  three  witnesses  present  to 
hear,  and  four  had  recorded  it ;  to  wit,  Matthew,  Mark,  Luke, 
and  Peter.  First,  the  Divine  Father  acknowledged  the  sacred 
and  mysterious  union — "  This  is  my  beloved  Son :"  a  relation 
infinitely  above  that  of  angels,  of  Adam  in  his  primeval  stand- 
ing, and  the  souls  of  any  regenerated,  sanctified,  or  glorified 
soul,  on  earth  or  in  heaven — co-equal,  co-eternal,  and  co- 
essential  with  the  Father.  "  Well-pleased  !" — that  is,  in  the 
whole  of  man's  redemption  by  this  "  beloved  Son :"  "  well- 
pleased  " — in  his  preaching,  living,  dying — in  every  part  of 
his  official  character.  "  Hear  ye  him  " — Mark  and  Luke  have 
omitted  ye.    Secondly,  The  particular  characters  who  should 


Dec,  1800.]          ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


489 


hear  him  in  his  word,  Spirit,  and  operations.  His  ministers 
should  hear  him — this  was  designed  in  the  text,  by  ye :  hear 
him  all  his  sanctified  souls  ;  hear  him  all  who  are  justified ; 
hear  him  all  ye  seekers ;  hear  him  all  ye  sinners — hear  his 
awful  warnings  :  all  ye  backsliders,  hear  him  as  Peter  heard 
him,  and  repent,  and  turn  to  him ;  hear  him  ye  apostates,  as 
Judas,  and  despair. 

We  must  needs  go  to  the  house  after  preaching,  and  dine  ; 
then  had  we  to  cross  Broad  River,  and  pierce  through  the 
woods,  scratch  and  go  in  the  by-paths — wind  round  the 
plantations — creep  across  the  newly-cleared  ground  by 
clambering  over  trees,  boughs,  and  fence-rails.  Thus  we 
made  our  way  fifteen  miles  to  Charles  Tait's,  in  Elbert 
county. 

Monday,  15.  We  got  over  Savannah  river  at  Robert  Mar- 
tin's ferry,  a  few  miles  above  Petersburg.  Here  I  called 
upon  a  family  I  had  often  visited  in  Virginia.  I  found  the 
parents  had  grown  old,  and  that  they  had  lost  some  of  their 
children. 

South  Carolina. — We  came  onward  into  Abbeville 
county,  and  hastened  to  John  Brannon's,  near  the  court- 
house ;  making  a  ride  of  thirty  miles  for  the  day. 

Tuesday,  16.  We  proceeded  to  Silvador's  Purchase,  twelve 
miles,  to  hold  quarterly  meeting  for  Bush  River  circuit,  at  a 
meeting-house  near  George  Connor's. 

Wednesday,  17.  I  attended  quarterly  meeting.  My  sub- 
ject was  Philip,  i,  27.  We  spent  four  hours  in  the  private 
and  public  meeting ;  a  number  of  white  and  black  children 
were  to  be  baptized,  and  probably  there  were  persons  who 
thought  it  would  be  better  done  by  a  bishop.  After  meeting 
we  had  a  fifteen  miles'  ride,  part  of  it  in  the  night,  crossing 
Seleuda  at  Child's  ferry,  wishing  to  get  to  John  Meeks's,  in 
Lauren's  county.  Abbeville  is  a  large  county,  stretching 
from  river  to  river,  and  holds  better  lands  than  any  other  in 
the  State.  Although  Bush  River  circuit  extends  through  it, 
there  are  few  Methodists ;  the  most  populous  settlements 
being  composed  of  Presbyterians. 


400 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.  [Dec,  1800. 


Thursday,  18.  At  John  Weeks's,  brother  Whatcoat  ser- 
monized upon  Gal.  vi,  15. 

Friday,  19.  It  rained.  After  it  had  holden  up,  we  rode 
thirty  miles  to  Benjamin  Herndon's,  upon  the  waters  of 
Enoree. 

Saturday  and  Sunday,  20,  21.  Held  quarterly  meeting. 
Brother  Whatcoat  spoke  from  1  Thess.  iii,  8 ;  a  very  profit- 
able improvement.  On  Sabbath  day  my  choice  was  Acts 
iii,  22,  23.  We  continued  about  six  hours  at  Bethel.  I  saw 
one  of  the  members  of  the  General  Assembly  of  South 
Carolina,  who  informed  me  that  our  address  from  the  General 
Conference  had  been  read  and  reprobated ;  and  furthermore, 
that  it  had  been  the  occasion  of  producing  a  law  which  pro- 
hibited a  minister's  attempting  to  instruct  any  number  of 
blacks  with  the  doors  shut ;  and  authorizing  a  peace-officer 
to  break  open  the  door  in  such  cases,  and  disperse  or  whip 
the  offenders.    But  more  of  this  law  when  I  see  it. 

Monday,  22.  We  rode  to  Thomas  Hardy's,  in  the  forks  of 
Enoree  and  Tiger  rivers — nine  miles. 

Tuesday,  23.  At  Bluford's  meeting  house,  brother  What- 
coat performed  upon  Philip,  iii,  14.  We  went  forward 
twelve  miles  to  Mr.  Glenn's  at  Broad  River. 

I  have  had  heartfelt  sorrow  for  the  Church  of  God  in  Phi- 
ladelphia. No  city  upon  our  continent  has  been  more  op- 
pressed by  divisions  in  Christian  societies :  witness  the  Episcopa- 
lians, Presbyterians,  German  and  English,  Quakers,  Baptists, 
Scotch  Presbyterians,  Roman  Catholics — and  now  the  Metho- 
dists :  I  have  written  on  this  subject  to  three  official 
characters. 

Wednesday,  24.  I  gave  a  sermon  upon  2  Peter  i,  4,  at 
Glenn's  chapel,  near  Broad  River :  we  had  an  open  season 
and  many  hearers.  At  Glenn's  Flat,  Chester  county,  Sea- 
ley's  meeting-house,  we  kept  our  Christmas.  Brother  What- 
coat preached  on,  "  The  Son  of  God  was  manifested  to  destroy 
the  works  of  the  devil." 

My  subject  was,  "Glory  to  God  in  the  highest;  and  00 
earth  peace,  good  will  towards  men." 


Dec,  1800.]  ASBURY'S  JOURNAL. 


491 


We  lodged  at  Robert  Walker's,  eighty  years  of  age.  awak- 
ened under  Mr.  Whitefield  in  Fogg's  Manor — re-awakened  at 
Pipe  Creek,  and  a  member  of  the  first  Methodist  Society  in 
Man-land :  he  is  now  living  upon  Sandy  River,  South 
Carolina. 

Friday,  26.  We  travelled  a  barren  path,  and  came  to  Al- 
exander Carter's  upon  Fishing  Creek — a  journey  of  about 
thirty  miles,  without  food  for  man  or  beast,  and  the  weather 
warm  to  great  excess:  after  our  arrival  we  had  a  night 
meeting. 

Saturday,  27.  After  waiting  the  leisure  of  the  boatmen,  we 
crossed  Catabaw  at  Wade's  ferry,  and  came  three  miles  to  a 
meeting-house  at  Camp  Creek,  to  attend  quarterly  meeting 
for  Santee  and  Catabaw  circuits.  We  lodged  at  John 
Grymast's,  a  Methodist,  and  originally  from  Ireland. 

Sabbath  day,  28.  Damp  morning.  I  gave  a  discourse  on 
Eph.  vi,  10.    Our  lodging  was  at  Johnson's. 

Monday,  29.  We  stopped  at  Georgetown,  at  Marker's. 
Brother  Whatcoat  preached  upon,  "  Thou  wilt  keep  him  in 
perfect  peace  whose  mind  is  stayed  on  thee  ;  because  he  trust- 
eth  in  thee."  We  made  eighteen  miles'  progress  this  day,  and 
put  up  with  John  Horton  upon  Hanging-Rock  River. 

Tuesday,  30.  Came  to  Camden.  I  have  received  several 
letters  from  the  North  :  they  bring  small  consolation — "  While 
he  was  yet  speaking  there  came  also  another" — murmurs — 
complaints  of  partiality — and  with  this  I  may  console  myself 
in  the  midst  of  unremitted  and  hard  travelling  and  labour.  I 
was  presented  with  a  petition  from  about  eighty  male  mem- 
bers of  the  society  in  the  city  of  brotherly  love,  entreat- 
ing me  to  do  what  I  had  no  intention  of  doing — that 
was,  to  remove  brother  Everett  from  the  city :  how,  indeed, 
was  this  to  be  done  ?  He  and  they  had  acquitted  M.  Manly 
of  all  the  charges  brought  against  him,  and  restored  him  to 
membership;  the  presiding  elder  had  also  restored  to  office 
three  or  four  elders  who  had  been  put  out  for  murmurings 
and  mischiefs,  and  had  ejected  the  elder  stationed  in  the  city, 
and  had  filled  his  place  by  another — and  they  had  great  con- 


492 


ASBURY'S  JOURNAL.         [Dec,  1800. 


gregations,  great  shoutings ;  and  God  was  with  them,  and 
nearly  one  hundred  had  joined  society.  To  all  this  what  can 
we  do  but  say,  "  Well  done,  good  and  faithful  servant "  and 
servants !  Poor  bishop  !  no  money  for  my  expenses.  I  am 
afflicted — my  life  threatened  on  the  one  hand,  my  brethren 
discontented  on  the  other :  true,  I  received  from  them  a  peti- 
tion dipped  in  oil  and  honey ;  and  if  I  approve,  all  will  be 
well ;  but  if  not,  drawn  swords  may  be  feared. 


END  OF  THE  SECOND  VOLUME. 


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